Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation Test

A hemoglobinopathy evaluation tests are used to identify abnormal forms of, or suggests problems with production of hemoglobin. This is done to screen for and diagnose a hemoglobin disorder. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein which is found in all red blood cells (RBCs) that binds to oxygen in the lungs and allows RBCs to carry the oxygen throughout the body, delivering it to the body's cells and tissues. Hemoglobin consists of one portion called heme, which is the molecule with iron at the center, and another portion made up of four globin (protein) chains. The globin chains, depending on their structure, have different types like alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. These types of globin chains helps in the function of hemoglobin and its ability to transport oxygen.

As blood transfusions can strike against hemoglobinopathy evaluation, the patient is advised to wait several months after a transfusion before having this testing done. However, in people with sickle disease, the testing can be performed after a transfusion also to determine if enough normal hemoglobin has been given to reduce the risk of damage from sickling of red blood cells.

An evaluation is usually used when results of a complete blood count or blood smear indicate that a person may have an abnormal form of hemoglobin. A hemoglobinopathy evaluation is used to investigate abnormal forms or relative amounts of hemoglobin, the protein found in all red blood cells that transports oxygen. Testing may be used for: To identify variants in asympomatic parents who have an affected child This test is also used when a doctor suspects that a person's signs and symptoms are the result of abnormal hemoglobin production.

Sample of blood is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. If undergoing medical tests makes you anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, try to consider reading one or more of the following articles on tips of blood testing, tips to help children through their medical tests, etc.