Hb acid electrophoresis, Blood

Diagnostic Use

Performed as part of a constituent of tests to identify abnormal haemoglobins.

Department

Haematology - Special Tests

Delphic Registration Code

HBSC

Synonyms

Acid electrophoresis

Turnaround Time

10 days

Test Code

1412

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

8000

No of Samples Required

2

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3.0

Pre-testing Requirements

No blood transfusion or iron treatment in the preceeding 3 months.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

2.0

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Preferred aliquot 2 x 4.0mL EDTA whole blood, minimum aliquot 2mL EDTA whole blood

Interpretation

Acid gel electrophoresis is used to further differentiate haemoglobins with electrophoretically similar migration points at alkaline pH. Haemoglobin will carry a positive charge when in an environment on the acidic side of its iso-electric point (pH 6.8) and will migrate toward the cathode (negative electrode). The position of the abnormal band on alkaline electrophoresis is compared with its migratory position on acid electrophoresis; this will differentiate Hb C from Hb E and Hb S from Hb D.

Reference Intervals

Not applicable.

Test Method

SEBIA hydragel acid electrophoresis

Non-Funded Test Cost

$71.09 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

1412

Performed as indicated as part of a haemoglobinopathy/thalassaemia screen. Not performed as a standalone test.
Test Availability: Mon - Fri, 0800 - 1700

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