Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that measures the different types of hemoglobin in the blood and looks for abnormal types of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. There are several different types of hemoglobin, including Hemoglobin A, Hemoglobin F, and Hemoglobin S. Hemoglobin electrophoresis uses electrical charges to separate the different types of hemoglobin in the blood so that healthcare providers can compare the level of each type with normal levels. The test is most often used to help diagnose anemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders.

The test involves taking a blood sample, which is then placed on special paper and subjected to an electric current. The hemoglobins move on the paper and form bands that show the amount of each type of hemoglobin. The major hemoglobin types have different electrical charges, which allows them to be separated. The test is typically done as part of newborn screening tests and can help diagnose diseases involving abnormal hemoglobin production.

If you need to have a hemoglobin electrophoresis test, you dont need to do anything special to prepare for it. However, you should tell your doctor if you have had a blood transfusion in the past 12 weeks, as this could affect the test results. The risks of the test are low and may include minor bruising or bleeding at the site where the blood was drawn. If you have questions about the test or what the results mean, talk to your doctor.