High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Analysis of Hemoglobin F Fraction in Whole Blood
This test measures the percentage of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in your blood using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HbF is a form of hemoglobin found in newborns and some adults with certain blood disorders.
["HbF levels can help diagnose or monitor conditions like beta-thalassemia or sickle cell disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44923-1
- Short code
- Hgb S MFr Bld HPLC
- Synonyms
- Hgb S MFr Bld HPLC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 12
- Ref high
- 17.5
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- hplc
- CPT
- 85018
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003004
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of a blood disorder, such as anemia, fatigue, or unusual fatigue, or if you have a family history of hemoglobinopathies (blood disorders affecting hemoglobin). It may also be used to monitor treatment progress or screen for conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed to separate hemoglobin types, which are then analyzed by HPLC.
What the Test Results Mean
The test result shows the percentage of HbF relative to total hemoglobin. Higher-than-normal levels may indicate certain blood disorders or conditions like polycythemia vera. Lower-than-normal levels could suggest conditions like beta-thalassemia or other hemoglobinopathies.
Possible Conditions Linked to HbF Levels
Abnormal HbF levels can be associated with inherited blood disorders such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or other hemoglobinopathies. Elevated HbF may also occur in conditions like polycythemia vera or certain cancers.
Reference range
Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HPLC HbF %
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal HbF percentage indicate?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or lifestyle affect HbF levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy