WHO NEEDS TO DO HEMOGLOBIN ELECTROPHORESIS TEST?

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is one of the important tests to detect blood diseases, especially genetic diseases related to hemoglobin such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. This is a test that helps doctors determine the type of hemoglobin in the blood and thereby assess the patient's health status. So who should do this test? The following article will answer questions related to hemoglobin electrophoresis.

1. What is hemoglobin electrophoresis test?

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test that uses an electric current to separate the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. There are different types of hemoglobin, such as hemoglobin A (HbA), hemoglobin S (HbS), and hemoglobin C (HbC). By analyzing these types of hemoglobin, doctors can detect disorders in their structure or function.

This test is commonly used to diagnose genetic diseases related to hemoglobin, helping to assess the patient's risk and condition.

2. Who should perform hemoglobin electrophoresis?

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is not a routine test, but for people at high risk of hemoglobin disorders, this test is necessary for early detection and timely treatment. Here are the cases where this test should be considered:

2.1. People with a family history of hemoglobin disease

People with a family history of blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia are at increased risk of inheriting the genes for these diseases. In these cases, hemoglobin electrophoresis testing can help detect abnormal hemoglobin variations early and assess disease risk.

2.2. People with symptoms of anemia

If you experience symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, bone pain, or a rapid heart rate, it could be a sign of anemia due to hemoglobin disorders. A hemoglobin electrophoresis test can help determine if you have a condition related to the structure of hemoglobin.

2.3. Pregnant women

During pregnancy, hemoglobin electrophoresis can be performed to check whether the pregnant woman carries the gene for hemoglobin disorders. This is important, especially for couples with a family history of blood disorders. Early detection will help reduce the risk of the fetus being affected by genetic diseases.

2.4. People in high-risk population groups

Certain populations are at higher risk for hemoglobin disorders. For example, sickle cell anemia is more common in people of African descent, and thalassemia is more common in people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent. For people in these populations, hemoglobin electrophoresis can help detect and manage the condition.

2.5. People who are about to get married and intend to have children

Couples who are getting married or planning to have children should have a hemoglobin electrophoresis test, especially if either of them has a family history of hemoglobin disorders. This test helps determine whether both of them carry the gene for any genetic disease, which can then advise on preventive measures or early intervention if needed.

3. What diseases can hemoglobin electrophoresis detect?

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is an important tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of many hemoglobin-related diseases. Here are some of the diseases this test can detect:

3.1. Sickle cell anemia

This is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to be abnormally shaped and fragile. Sickle cell anemia can cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and a high risk of infection.

3.2. Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a group of inherited disorders that affect the ability to produce hemoglobin. This causes chronic anemia and may require regular blood transfusions to maintain health. There are two main types: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia.

3.3. Hemoglobin C, hemoglobin E and other variants

In addition to hemoglobin S (which causes sickle cell disease), other variants such as hemoglobin C and hemoglobin E can also be detected by electrophoresis. These variants can cause different forms of anemia, ranging from mild to severe.

4. Benefits of hemoglobin electrophoresis testing

Hemoglobin electrophoresis not only helps diagnose hemoglobin-related diseases but also brings many other benefits in disease management and treatment.

• Early diagnosis : Helps detect hemoglobin diseases early, thereby providing appropriate and effective treatment options.
• Help plan treatment : Test results will help your doctor develop a treatment plan, including symptom management, blood transfusions, or other interventions.
• Genetic counseling : For people who carry the disease gene, electrophoretic testing helps determine the risk of passing the disease to the next generation, thereby making decisions related to reproduction.

5. Conclusion

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is an important test to detect and diagnose hemoglobin-related diseases, especially genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. For people at high risk of disease or with unusual symptoms, this test helps ensure health and timely treatment. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor for more details and decide whether you need to perform hemoglobin electrophoresis.