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A haemoglobin test, specifically a haemoglobin electrophoresis blood test, checks the different types of haemoglobin present in your blood. This test can help identify inherited haemoglobin conditions, including thalassaemia, sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease, and other haemoglobin variants. Evie Health offers private sickle cell testing and thalassaemia screening in Hayes and Uxbridge, with appointments available for adults and children where clinically appropriate.
Haemoglobin is the protein inside red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Most adults predominantly possess haemoglobin A, but some individuals inherit a different or abnormal form of haemoglobin from one or both parents.
The haemoglobin test known as haemoglobin electrophoresis separates and quantifies the various haemoglobin types present in a blood sample. The test can identify:
- Haemoglobin A – HbA
- Haemoglobin A2 – HbA2
- Haemoglobin F – HbF
- Haemoglobin S – HbS
- Haemoglobin C – HbC
- Haemoglobin D
- Haemoglobin E
- Other haemoglobin variants, if present
This test is instrumental in determining whether an individual has or carries an inherited haemoglobin disorder, making it vital for conditions such as sickle cell testing and thalassaemia screening.
What Conditions Can This Blood Test Help Identify?
The haemoglobin test through electrophoresis may assist in investigating conditions like:
- Beta thalassaemia trait
- Beta thalassaemia major or intermedia
- Sickle cell trait
- Sickle cell disease
- Haemoglobin C trait or disease
- Haemoglobin D or E variants
- Other inherited haemoglobinopathies
- Unexplained microcytic anaemia
Thalassaemia refers to a group of inherited conditions that impact haemoglobin, which red blood cells utilize to transport oxygen.
Evie Health Thalassaemia Profile
Our private Thalassaemia Profile is priced at £138 and encompasses:
- Haemoglobin electrophoresis
- Haemoglobin A2
- Haemoglobin F
- Screening for significant haemoglobin variants
- Full Blood Count
- Haemoglobin level
- Red blood cell count
- Mean Cell Volume – MCV
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin – MCH
- Red Cell Distribution Width – RDW
By combining haemoglobin analysis with a Full Blood Count, we provide a comprehensive assessment of your red blood cells and haemoglobin patterns.
Who Should Consider This Test?
You may want to arrange a haemoglobin test, particularly haemoglobin electrophoresis, if:
- You have a family history of thalassaemia or sickle cell disease
- Your partner has been identified as a carrier
- A previous blood test indicated a low MCV or low MCH
- You have persistent anemia despite normal iron levels
- You are planning to start a family
- You have been advised to complete carrier screening
- You need testing prior to pregnancy, fertility treatment, or marriage
- You have previously been informed that you may carry an abnormal haemoglobin
- You seek private testing without waiting for a routine appointment
A blood test can be conducted at any time to check if someone carries the thalassaemia trait, especially relevant in cases of family history or if a partner is already identified as a carrier.
Can Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Detect Beta Thalassaemia?
The haemoglobin electrophoresis test is particularly beneficial for examining beta thalassaemia trait.
Individuals with beta thalassaemia trait often present with:
- A low MCV
- A low MCH
- A relatively high red blood cell count
- An increased HbA2 level
An elevated HbA2 level can substantiate a diagnosis of beta thalassaemia trait.
Results must be interpreted alongside the Full Blood Count, iron status, medical history, and any previous transfusions.
Can It Detect Alpha Thalassaemia?
Haemoglobin electrophoresis might appear normal in individuals with alpha thalassaemia trait.
However, alpha thalassaemia should still be considered if a person exhibits:
- Persistently low MCV and MCH
- Normal or adequate ferritin levels
- No signs of iron deficiency
- Normal haemoglobin electrophoresis results
- A relevant family or ethnic background
If alpha thalassaemia remains suspected, additional alpha-globin gene testing might be recommended.
Evie Health can advise whether further laboratory testing is appropriate based on your results.
Haemoglobin Electrophoresis and Iron Deficiency
Both iron deficiency and thalassaemia can lead to small red blood cells, resulting in similar Full Blood Count findings.
Thus, conducting a ferritin test or complete iron profile alongside haemoglobin electrophoresis may be advisable.
Our Iron Studies Profile evaluates:
- Ferritin
- Serum iron
- Transferrin
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity
- Transferrin saturation
Please inform us if you have recently been diagnosed with iron deficiency or are taking iron supplements.
Haemoglobin Electrophoresis for Pregnancy Planning
Carrier testing is especially crucial before or during pregnancy.
When both biological parents carry a significant haemoglobin variant, there is a risk of their child inheriting a severe haemoglobin condition.
If one partner is identified as a carrier, testing for the other biological parent may be recommended.
Sickle cell and thalassaemia screening is routinely offered during pregnancy in England, though some patients opt for private testing before conception or alongside fertility treatment.
Do I Need to Fast?
No fasting is generally required for a haemoglobin electrophoresis blood test.
You can eat and drink freely before your appointment, except if you are undergoing additional blood tests that necessitate fasting.
Please stay well-hydrated, as it aids in collecting the blood sample.
What Happens During the Appointment?
Your appointment typically lasts about 15 minutes.
A trained healthcare professional will:
- Confirm your details and reason for testing.
- Review any pertinent medical information.
- Collect a small blood sample from a vein in your arm.
- Send the sample to the laboratory for analysis.
- Provide your report securely once the results are available.
Important Information Before Testing
Please inform us before your appointment if:
- You have received a blood transfusion within the last few months
- You are pregnant
- You have been previously diagnosed with a haemoglobin disorder
- You are currently undergoing iron treatment
- You have recent blood test results
- A partner or family member has a known haemoglobin variant
A recent blood transfusion may impact the haemoglobin pattern and the interpretation of your results.
Understanding Your Results
Your report may include the ratios of various haemoglobin types found in your blood.
Possible outcomes might indicate:
- A normal adult haemoglobin pattern
- Beta thalassaemia trait
- Sickle cell trait
- Sickle cell disease
- Another haemoglobin variant
- A result necessitating further investigation
- Findings that may require genetic testing or specialist review
A screening result doesn’t always yield a complete genetic diagnosis. Additional testing may be recommended for unclear findings or suspected alpha thalassaemia.
Why Choose Evie Health?
Evie Health offers convenient and professional private blood testing for patients throughout West London.
Our service includes:
- Private appointments
- Experienced healthcare professionals
- No GP referral typically required
- Transparent pricing
- Laboratory blood testing
- Secure delivery of results
- Clear explanation of available testing options
- Convenient locations in Hayes and Uxbridge
- Home visits available depending on location and availability
Price
Thalassaemia and Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Profile – £138
This profile includes haemoglobin electrophoresis, HbA2, HbF, and a Full Blood Count with red cell indices.
Additional iron studies or genetic testing may incur separate charges.
Book a Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Blood Test
Schedule your private haemoglobin electrophoresis blood test with Evie Health today.
Appointments are accessible for patients from:
Hayes, Uxbridge, West Drayton, Hillingdon, Southall, Yiewsley, Iver, Stockley Park, and the Heathrow area.
Contact Evie Health to inquire about appointment availability or to discuss which test is most suitable.
Evie Health
Private Blood Testing and Health Screening
Website: eviehealth.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is haemoglobin electrophoresis the same as a thalassaemia test?
Haemoglobin electrophoresis is a crucial component of thalassaemia screening. A thorough evaluation should also include a Full Blood Count and may necessitate iron studies or genetic testing.
Can this test confirm that I am a thalassaemia carrier?
It can often identify beta thalassaemia trait when interpreted alongside the Full Blood Count. Alpha thalassaemia trait might not be apparent on standard haemoglobin electrophoresis and may require genetic testing.
Does the test detect sickle cell trait?
Yes. The haemoglobin analysis can detect HbS and help identify sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease.
Can I have the test before pregnancy?
Yes. Testing prior to pregnancy can help determine if you carry a significant haemoglobin variant. Partner testing may be recommended if you are identified as a carrier.
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is not typically required for private testing with Evie Health.
How quickly will I receive my results?
Results are usually expected within 24–48 hours; however, complex or abnormal findings may require additional laboratory analysis and take longer.
Can I have this test after a blood transfusion?
It is essential to inform us if you have recently received a transfusion as donor blood can influence the results. The laboratory or an appropriate clinician may suggest delaying the test.
Further testing, including a haemoglobin test, partner screening, genetic analysis, or referral to a haematology or sickle cell and thalassaemia service, may be recommended for effective sickle cell testing and thalassaemia screening.