Hemoglobin electrophoresis (thalassemia)
thalassemia test · hemoglobin electrophoresis · Hb electrophoresis · hemoglobin types test
This blood test shows which types of hemoglobin are in your blood and how much of each. It finds inherited traits like thalassemia.
If your red blood cells are small but your iron is normal, if inherited anemia runs in the family, and before or during pregnancy.
⏱ Duration: the blood draw usually takes 5 minutes; results usually come in a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. You usually do not need to fast. If you are having other tests at the same time, check with the lab.
- Medicines. Do not stop anything on your own, including iron. Just tell your doctor what you take.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past complete blood counts and iron tests
How it goes
- You sit down, and a band is tied above your elbow
- The skin is wiped with antiseptic
- Blood is taken from a vein into a tube
- The band is removed, and a cotton pad is pressed on the spot
What you'll feel
- A quick prick, like a pinch
- Sometimes slight dizziness. Tell the nurse, and they will help you lie down
Afterwards
- Press the cotton pad for 3 to 5 minutes
- Results usually come in a few days
- If you are found to be a carrier, the doctor may suggest testing your partner and relatives
Common questions
Is being a thalassemia carrier an illness?
Usually not. Carriers live like everyone else, sometimes with mild anemia. It matters when planning children.
Will iron pills help?
Only if you really are low in iron. Your doctor decides. Too much iron can do harm.