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Hemoglobin Variant Quantitation

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231441

Department

Immunology

Instructions

Prior to ordering Hemoglobin Variant Quantitation, proper identification of hemoglobin variants by orthogonal analytical methods is required. Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation (LAB1231654) will be performed if a variant is detected that has not been previously confirmed.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Lavender-top EDTA tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 1.0 mL)
Also acceptable (Pediatric): One 500 mcL Lavender-top EDTA Microtainer®. (Minimum Whole Blood: 250 mcL) 

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Do not freeze specimen. Store whole blood refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport. (Minimum Whole Blood: 1.0 mL)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Whole blood specimen, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum Whole Blood: 1.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Frozen specimens.
• Centrifuged specimens.
• Severely hemolyzed specimens.

In-Lab Processing

Do not centrifuge. Do not freeze.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Special Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Routine results available within 3–5 days. Upon request, results may be available on the same day Sunday – Saturday if the sample is received before 1:00 pm.

Reference Range

Hemoglobin F
0 – 30 Days: 22.8 - 92.0%
31 Days – 5 Months: 1.6 - 89.8%
6 – 12 Months: 0.0 - 16.7%
13 – 23 Months: 0.0 - 7.9%
24 Months – Adult: 0.0 - 0.9%

Hemoglobin A₂
0 – 30 Days: 0.0 - 2.1%
31 Days – 5 Months: 0.0 - 3.1%
6 Months – Adult: 2.0 - 3.3%

Hemoglobin S, C, D, E: 0%.

Test Methodology

Capillary Electrophoresis

Interpretation

Relative quantitation of Hemoglobin F, A₂, S, and other abnormal hemoglobin variants previously confirmed at Beaumont Laboratory.

Clinical Utility

Adult blood contains primarily hemoglobin A (HbA), a small percentage of hemoglobin A₂ (HbA₂) and trace amounts of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). The most commonly occurring hemoglobin variants include hemoglobins S, C, D, and E. Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation (LAB1231654) is required for initial diagnosis to positively identify hemoglobin variants by capillary electrophoresis methods.

Hemoglobin Variant Quantitation (LAB1231441) provides relative percentages of hemoglobin variants that have been previously identified and is especially useful for patients with sickling disorders. Hemoglobin S percentage can be monitored during transfusion therapy for sickle-cell disease patients at risk for stroke and acute chest syndrome.

CPT Codes

83020

Contacts

Last Updated

2/21/2025