Interpretation
Haemoglobin carries a positive charge when in an environment on the acidic side of its iso-electric point (pH 6.8) and a negative charge when in an environment on the alkaline side of its iso-electric point. In an alkaline buffer, the haemoglobin assumes a negative charge and migrates towards the anode. Each type of haemoglobin has a different concentration of negative charges and separates into different bands during electrophoresis; the migratory position of any abnormal band/s present is compared with the control sample.
Test Method
Hb electrophoresis at alkaline pH
