Hemoglobin F (HbF) Percentage in Blood by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the percentage of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in your blood, which is naturally present in newborns but typically decreases as the body produces adult hemoglobin. It may be checked if you have certain blood disorders or conditions requiring detailed hemoglobin analysis.
["HbF percentage helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting hemoglobin structure or blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42912-6
- Short code
- Hgb sp2 Spec gastro Ql
- Synonyms
- Hgb sp2 Spec gastro Ql
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like anemia, fatigue, or a family history of blood disorders. It may also be used to evaluate conditions such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or other hemoglobinopathies where HbF levels can provide important diagnostic clues.
What Does the Test Measure?
HbF is a type of hemoglobin found in newborns and some adults with certain genetic conditions. This test specifically measures the proportion of HbF relative to all hemoglobin in your blood using HPLC, a precise method that separates different hemoglobin types.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is processed to separate hemoglobin types for analysis. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised depending on the clinical context.
What Are Common Clinical Uses?
HbF percentage testing is often used to confirm or monitor conditions like thalassemia, sickle cell trait, or other hemoglobin-related genetic disorders. It can also help assess fetal hemoglobin levels in adults with certain blood disorders.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HbF % (HPLC)
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal HbF percentage mean?
How is this test different from a general hemoglobin test?
Is there any preparation needed before this test?
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