Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation Blood Test
Description
This test measures hemoglobin levels and looks for abnormal types of hemoglobin. This test also aids in diagnosing anemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders (known as Hemoglobinopathy). Hemoglobinopathy is an inherited blood disorder characterized by an abnormal form of hemoglobin (variant) or decreased hemoglobin production (Thalassemia).
Hemoglobin (Hgb) is a protein found in your red blood cells that transfers oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. There are several different types of hemoglobin, such as Hgb A, Hgb F, Hgb S, Hgb C, and Hgb E. An abnormal level of certain hemoglobins in the red blood cells may alter their shape, size, and function. This alteration may cause inefficient oxygen flow and premature destruction of the cells, known as hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:
- weakness
- fatigue
- jaundice
- pale skin
Another abnormal type of hemoglobin is Hgb S, which causes Sickle Cell Anemia. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease that causes the body to create inflexible, "sickle" shaped red blood cells. Red blood cells should be flexible to flow easily through blood vessels; however, sickle cells can get stuck in the blood vessels. Patients with abnormal levels of Hgb S or Sickle cell anemia may experience symptoms such as:
- severe or chronic pain
- shortness of breath
- enlarged spleen
- infections
