Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis) in Chennai

Test Overview

Overview of the Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis)

Abnormal Hb studies, also known as haemoglobin electrophoresis tests, are diagnostic tests that separate and identify different types of haemoglobin in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a protein responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs. It is produced in the bone marrow during erythropoiesis and plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape and flexibility of red blood cells. The Hb electrophoresis test in Chennai uses an electrical current to separate normal and abnormal haemoglobin types, such as HbA, HbA2, HbF, HbS, HbC, and others, helping diagnose and monitor conditions like sickle cell anaemia, thalassemias, and other haemoglobinopathies.

Apollo offers a Abnormal Hb Test across many cities such as:

Tests Included in Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis)

The haemoglobin electrophoresis test in Hyderabad includes several individual tests that provide a comprehensive analysis of haemoglobin types:

• Foetal Haemoglobin (HbF), Quantitative: Measures the main type of haemoglobin in foetuses and newborns. Elevated levels in adults can indicate conditions like thalassemia, aplastic anaemia, or leukaemia.
• Haemoglobin A (HbA): Measures the primary haemoglobin type in healthy adults. Reduced levels can indicate the presence of abnormal haemoglobins or haemoglobinopathies.
• Haemoglobin A2 (HbA2): Measures a minor component of adult haemoglobin. Elevated levels can be seen in beta-thalassemia, while decreased levels can indicate delta-beta thalassemia.
• Haemoglobin C (HbC): Detects an abnormal haemoglobin that can cause haemoglobin C disease or more severe symptoms when combined with other abnormal haemoglobins.
• Haemoglobin D (HbD): Detects another abnormal haemoglobin that can cause mild haemolytic anaemia when combined with other abnormal haemoglobins.
• Haemoglobin S (HbS): Detects the abnormal haemoglobin responsible for sickle cell disease.
• Haemoglobin E (HbE): Detects an abnormal haemoglobin common in Southeast Asian populations that can cause thalassaemia or haemolytic anaemia.
• P2 Window and P3 Window: These are zones or windows in capillary electrophoresis where specific haemoglobins migrate, helping in their identification and quantification.

Optional tests may include:

• Haemoglobin: Assesses the overall amount of haemoglobin in the blood, indicating oxygen-carrying capacity. Low haemoglobin levels typically suggest anaemia or other underlying health issues.
• RBC Count: Measures the number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood. It helps assess the body’s ability to transport oxygen and can indicate anaemia or polycythaemia.
• PCV (Packed Cell Volume): Measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Abnormal PCV levels can signal dehydration, anaemia, or other haematological disorders.
• MCH (Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin): Measures the average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell. It aids in classifying types of anaemia, with low values often seen in iron deficiency anaemia.
• MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration): Measures the average concentration of haemoglobin in each red blood cell. Abnormal MCHC values can indicate conditions such as spherocytosis or hypochromic anaemia.
• MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): MCV evaluates the average size of red blood cells, helping to classify anaemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.
• R.D.W (Red Cell Distribution Width): R.D.W assesses the variation in the size of red blood cells, providing insights into the heterogeneity of the cell population. Elevated RDW can suggest conditions like iron deficiency anaemia or other blood disorders.
• Peripheral Smear Finding: A peripheral blood smear provides a visual assessment of blood cells, revealing morphology and abnormalities. It helps diagnose various haematological disorders and assess overall blood cell health.

What Medical Procedures can Require Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis)?

The Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis) may be required before or during various medical treatments and procedures to identify haemoglobin disorders that could impact treatment plans. These include:

• Blood Transfusions: Before administering blood transfusions, especially in patients with chronic anaemia, it's important to identify any underlying hemoglobinopathies, like sickle cell disease or thalassemia, to avoid complications.
• Bone Marrow Transplants: Patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant, particularly for blood disorders like leukaemia or aplastic anaemia, may require this test to ensure compatibility and assess for underlying haemoglobin disorders.
• Chemotherapy: Certain chemotherapy treatments can impact blood cell production. Hb electrophoresis helps determine if the patient has any haemoglobin abnormalities that need to be factored into treatment.
• Preoperative Testing: Before surgeries, especially those with significant blood loss risk, Hb electrophoresis may be used to check for conditions like sickle cell disease, which can lead to complications such as sickle cell crises during anaesthesia or recovery.
• Organ Transplantation: Candidates for organ transplants, particularly those involving the liver or kidneys, may require this test to rule out hemoglobinopathies that could affect recovery or donor compatibility.
• Prenatal Screening: Pregnant women, especially those from high-risk populations, may be tested to identify hemoglobinopathies that could affect the fetus, allowing for early management or intervention.
• Management of Chronic Anaemia: Patients receiving long-term treatments for chronic anaemia, such as those with chronic kidney disease requiring erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, may undergo this test to better understand the underlying cause of anaemia.

Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis) Requirements

To undergo an Hb electrophoresis test in Chennai, you will need to:

• Provide a blood sample collected by a phlebotomist. The procedure involves cleaning the skin, inserting a needle into a vein, and drawing blood into a tube.
• The collected sample is then sent to a laboratory for processing and analysis using the haemoglobin electrophoresis technique.
  No special preparation or fasting is typically required before the haemoglobin electrophoresis test in Chennai.

Price of the Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis)

The Hb electrophoresis test price in Chennai can vary depending on factors such as the laboratory, location, and type of test (e.g., gel electrophoresis, HPLC test). On average, the HPLC test price in Chennai ranges from Rs____ to Rs_____. It is essential to note that prices of Hb electrophoresis test in Chennai may differ between standalone laboratories and hospital-based facilities.

Reports of the Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis)

The table below shows the components of the Hb electrophoresis test and their normal ranges:

Note: The values of these tests can vary depending on the laboratory, age, sex and underlying conditions.

How often should you be recommended Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis)?

The frequency of Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis) depends on individual risk factors, health conditions, and medical history. Typically, the test is not needed regularly but may be recommended in the following situations:

• Initial Diagnosis: If you have symptoms of a haemoglobin disorder (e.g., unexplained anaemia, fatigue, jaundice), the test is usually done once to confirm the diagnosis.
• Family Planning: If you're from a high-risk ethnic group or have a family history of haemoglobin disorders, you may undergo the test once before having children to assess the risk of passing these conditions to offspring.
• During Pregnancy: Pregnant women, especially those at risk of carrying a hemoglobinopathy, may be tested once to evaluate any potential risks to the fetus.
• Follow-Up for Known Hemoglobin Disorders: If you've already been diagnosed with a haemoglobin disorder (such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia), you may require periodic testing to monitor your condition or treatment response, though this is usually based on symptoms or changes in health.
• Before Certain Medical Treatments: If you're undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments that can affect your blood, your doctor may recommend the test once to assess risks related to abnormal haemoglobin.
• Newborn Screening: In areas with a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies, infants may be screened once at birth as part of routine health checks.

Book an Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis) Online

Booking a haemoglobin electrophoresis test in Chennai through Apollo 24|7 is a simple and convenient process that can be completed online. Here are the steps:

• Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or download the app on your smartphone.
• Search for "Hb Electrophoresis Test" or "HPLC test price in Chennai" in the search box.
• Select a convenient time slot and location for your blood sample collection.
• Complete the booking by entering the required details and confirming the Abnormal Hb Studies (Hb Electrophoresis) test price in Chennai.
• Wait for a confirmation message from Apollo 24|7.