Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation Blood Test

Description

The Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation Profile Blood Test, or Hemoglobin Fractionation, aids in the diagnosis of hemoglobinopathy, an inherited blood disorder characterized by the presence of an abnormal form of hemoglobin (known as a variant) or decreased hemoglobin production (known as thalassemia).

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) that binds to oxygen and helps transport it throughout the body. The shape, size, and function of RBCs may be altered when hemoglobin variants are present, which could result in inefficient oxygen transportation and premature destruction of the cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include weakness, fatigue, jaundice and pale skin. Severe hemoglobinopathies, such as homozygous Hb S (Sickle Cell Anemia), can result in symptoms such as episodes of acute pain, shortness of breath and an enlarged spleen.

This test includes Hemoglobin A1, Fetal Hemoglobin, Hemoglobin A2 and any hemoglobin variants, Red Blood Cell Count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH, RDW.