Hemoglobin HPLC Test - Price, Range, Purpose, Procedure 2024

Table of Content

Introduction to HPLC Test

Thalassemia and thalassemic hemoglobinopathies are serious health problems, leading to severe morbidity and mortality in the Indian population. The hemoglobin variant analysis test used to identify and quantify different types of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. There are several types of hemoglobin, and the Hb HPLC test is primarily used to detect and characterize abnormal hemoglobin variants. 

Your doctor might recommend an HPLC test to diagnose the abnormal hemoglobin variants. You can choose Redcliffe Labs to take the HPLC test. With 80+ labs located in PAN India, we are accessible to provide you with the best diagnostic services right from your home. You can book your test online, and our phlebotomist will come to your place to collect the sample. You will be provided with accurate test reports. We offer economical diagnostic tests so everyone can afford and live a healthy lifestyle. 

Test details in Brief

Purpose of the HPLC Test 

• Diagnosis of Hemoglobinopathies: Hemoglobin variant analysis is used to diagnose genetic disorders caused by abnormal hemoglobin production. Examples of hemoglobinopathies include sickle cell disease, hemoglobin C disease, and various forms of thalassemia. Identifying the specific hemoglobin variants in a patient's blood is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Carrier Screening:  Hemoglobin variant analysis is often performed in carrier screening programs to identify individuals who carry one copy of a hemoglobin gene mutation but do not exhibit disease symptoms. This is important for genetic counseling and family planning, as carriers can pass the mutated gene to their children.
• Monitoring Disease Severity: For people with known hemoglobinopathies, HPLC testing can help monitor the severity of the condition and assess how it may change over time. 
• Treatment Planning:  Knowing the specific hemoglobin variants in a patient's blood is essential for treatment plans. Hemoglobinopathies treatment options include blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, hydroxyurea, and bone marrow transplantation. 
• Prenatal Diagnosis: Hemoglobin variant analysis can be used for prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. If a family has a history of hemoglobinopathy, or if both parents are carriers, testing can be performed on fetal samples obtained through procedures like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis to assess the baby's hemoglobin status.

Preparation for the HPLC test:

The test requires no special preparation. Here are simple guidelines you must follow before the test:

• Fasting Requirement: The testing does not require fasting; you can eat and drink as usual.
• Consult with your healthcare expert: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking. Some substances can affect the test results, and your healthcare provider may advise you to discontinue or adjust medication before the test.
• Clothing: Wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm or the selected blood collection site.
• Hydration: Ensure you drink enough water before the test. Dehydration can affect blood viscosity and may impact the test results.

The procedure of the HPLC test:

A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. They will use a sterile needle to puncture a vein in your arm and collect a blood sample. The blood sample will be collected into special tubes or vials, depending on the specific requirements of the Hemoglobin variant analysis test. After the blood is drawn, pressure will be applied to the puncture site to stop bleeding. A bandage may be placed over the puncture site. Take a moment to rest if you feel dizzy after the blood draw. Drinking water can help with recovery. The collected blood sample will be properly labeled and sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

Interpretation of HPLC test results

Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory technicians will measure and analyze the specific compounds or biomarkers relevant to your test. 

• The increased hemoglobin level is associated with thalassemia, hemoglobin C disease, sickle cell disease, and hemoglobin S-C disease.
• The increased fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level in HPLC is associated with beta-thalassemia. 
• High HbA2 levels are associated with beta-thalassemia minor or trait.

Some common abnormal forms of hemoglobin may be detected and measured are:

• Hemoglobin S (Hb S, sickle cell disease)
• Hemoglobin C (Hb C)
• hemoglobin E (Hb E)

Some other common Hemoglobin are:

• Hemoglobin F (Hb F) 
• Hemoglobin H (Hb H)
• Hemoglobin D
• Hemoglobin G
• Hemoglobin J
• Hemoglobin M
• Hemoglobin Constant Spring
• Hemoglobin Barts

What is the HPLC test normal range?

The normal range of Hemoglobin variant analysis tests may differ in children and adults. 

In children 

In adults Normal levels

What are the risks of the HPLC test?

Hemoglobin HPLC or Electrophoresis blood tests are safe to diagnose various hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias. However, like any medical procedure, they may carry minimal risks:

• Pain or Discomfort: The blood test involves inserting a needle into a vein to collect a blood sample. You might experience minor pain, discomfort, or bruising. 

• Fainting or Dizziness: Some people might feel faint or dizzy during or after the blood draw. 

• Hematoma: Occasionally, a hematoma may develop at the puncture site. This can cause pain and swelling but is usually not serious.

• Allergic Reaction: In rare cases, some people might have an allergic reaction to the antiseptic used to clean the skin or to the materials used during the blood collection. 

The Hemoglobin HPLC or Hemoglobin variant analysis test is safe and is performed routinely in clinical settings to diagnose and monitor hemoglobin disorders. Discuss your concerns or specific medical conditions that might affect the blood draw with your healthcare providers.

Why do Doctors recommend the HPLC Test?

Hemolytic anemia is frequently caused by abnormal hemoglobin types, resulting in signs and symptoms such as

• Weakness and exhaustion,
• Insufficient energy
• Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the eyes and skin.
• Pale skin

Some severe hemoglobinopathies (for example, sickle cell disease) can cause major signs and symptoms such as intense discomfort, shortness of breath, an enlarged spleen, and development issues in children. 

Doctors recommend the hemoglobin variant analysis test to: 

• Diagnosis of Hemoglobinopathies: Hemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders that affect the structure or production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs. Hb HPLC is essential for diagnosing sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and rare hemoglobin disorders.
• Identification of Carriers: Hb HPLC can identify individuals with a single abnormal hemoglobin gene (heterozygotes). These people are known as carriers or "trait" individuals. While carriers typically do not experience symptoms, they can pass the abnormal gene on to their offspring. 

• Assessment of Disease Severity: In people with hemoglobinopathies, the test provides information about the severity of the condition.
• Guidance for Genetic Counseling: Hemoglobin variant analysis test results are vital for genetic counseling, especially when planning to start a family. Knowing their hemoglobin status helps them understand the risk of passing the condition to their children.

Factors affecting HPLC levels

Several may lead to variations in the measured levels of analytes. 

• Medications and Supplements: Certain medications, including prescription drugs, may influence the blood test results. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking before the test.
• Physical Activity: Strenuous physical activity before a blood test can affect various markers, including enzymes and metabolites. 
• Dehydration: Dehydration can affect the concentration of certain substances in the blood, such as electrolytes and creatinine. 
• Stress and Anxiety: High stress levels or anxiety can influence cortisol levels and other stress-related hormones and affect the test results. 
• Menstrual Cycle: Hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone, can fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. 
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can lead to hormonal changes that affect blood test results, particularly for hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or thyroid hormones.

HPLC test price @ Redcliffe labs

The HPLC test cost is INR 949 at Redcliffe Labs. If your doctor has recommended the HPLC test, you must choose us. We provide the best diagnostic services at affordable prices. You need to book your appointment online, and our expert phlebotomist will come to your place to collect the sample. With us, you do not need to wait in long queues. Moreover, we promise to provide accurate test reports within 24 hours. We have served millions of people in PAN India. Our labs are NABL accredited, and all our professionals are qualified, so you do not need to worry about testing quality. Just call us or book your appointment online. 

HPLC Test Cost in Different Cities

Note: We also offer HPLC test in different other cities. Please call on the number 8988988787 to check availability in your city.

Conclusion

Hemoglobin Variant Analysis using HPLC is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying and causing abnormal hemoglobin variants, aiding in the diagnosis and management. Abnormalities in hemoglobin structure can cause conditions like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, leading to health problems such as anemia, pain crises, and other complications. The test provides essential information for healthcare providers to offer appropriate care and guidance. Consult with your healthcare professional and take the HPLC test today.