Haemoglobin Mass Spectrometry: Intact protein analysis

Diagnostic Use

Haemoglobin (Hb) mass spectrometry is useful in the diagnosis of Hb variants and thalassaemia. This testing may be indicated following the results of routine haemoglobinopathy screening, if an unknown Hb variant or thalassaemia was detected. Hb analysis using electrophoretic and chromatographic procedures, such as Hb A1c testing, will often detect Hb variants of uncertain significance. In addition, high oxygen affinity Hb variants are a known cause of polycythaemia and their exclusion forms part of the standard diagnostic work-up in cases of unexplained polycythaemia. Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry is the method of choice for identifying Hb variants in these patients.

Department

Genetics - Molecular Pathology

Delphic Registration Code

MOLP

Turnaround Time

4 weeks