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Hb Electrophoresis

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report in2-3 days

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn 2-3 days

About this test

Hb electrophoresis (or HPLC) separates the different types of haemoglobin in your blood. It finds abnormal types such as Hb S (sickle cell) and changes in Hb A2 and Hb F that point to thalassaemia.

Why is this test done?

  • Screen for thalassaemia carrier status, especially before marriage or pregnancy
  • Diagnose sickle cell disease
  • Find the cause of anaemia not explained by iron deficiency
  • Family screening when a relative has thalassaemia

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Long-standing anaemia not improving with iron
  • Small red cells (low MCV) on CBC
  • Family history of thalassaemia or sickle cell
  • Yellowish skin or enlarged spleen

Normal range

Hb A 95 – 98 %
Hb A2 1.5 – 3.5 %
Hb F < 1 %

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

A raised Hb A2 (above about 3.5%) suggests beta thalassaemia trait. A raised Hb F or the presence of Hb S, Hb E or Hb D points to other haemoglobin disorders.

Common reasons
  • Beta thalassaemia trait or major
  • Sickle cell trait or disease
  • Hb E or Hb D disorders
  • Hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin

If your result is low

A low Hb A2 can be seen in iron deficiency or alpha thalassaemia.

Common reasons
  • Iron deficiency anaemia
  • Alpha thalassaemia trait

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

If both partners are thalassaemia carriers, there is a 1 in 4 chance in each pregnancy of a child with thalassaemia major.

Yes. Wait about 3 months after a transfusion for a reliable result.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in 2-3 days after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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