HPLC Test (Haemoglobin Electrophoresis by HPLC)

HPLC Test: quick answers

HPLC Test full form

High Performance Liquid Chromatography

HPLC Test price

₹1,649, home sample collection

Normal range (adults)

HbA (adults): about 95% to 98%; HbA2 (adults): about 2.0% to 3.5% more

Done for

Screening for beta thalassaemia carrier status (thalassaemia minor or trait); Pre-marital and pre-pregnancy screening, and screening early in pregnancy; Small red cells (low MCV) on a CBC that do not improve with iron

Fasting

Not required

Report

3–5 days

What is the HPLC Test?

The HPLC test measures the different types of haemoglobin in your blood (HbA, HbA2, HbF and any variants such as HbS or HbE). It is the standard screening test for thalassaemia trait and sickle cell disease. HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography, the laboratory method used to separate the haemoglobin types.

HPLC Test normal range

Values differ in infants under about one year, when HbF is still high. Iron deficiency can lower HbA2 and hide a beta thalassaemia trait, so doctors often check iron status alongside.

Ranges differ between laboratories and methods. The reference range printed on your own report is the one to read your result against.

What your HPLC Test result means

Normal pattern

Mostly HbA with HbA2 and HbF within the expected range and no abnormal variant. This makes beta thalassaemia trait and common variants unlikely, though alpha thalassaemia trait can still give a normal pattern.

Raised HbA2

An HbA2 above about 3.5% (often 4% to 6%) is the usual finding in beta thalassaemia trait. Values just above the cut-off are borderline and are interpreted with the CBC and iron studies.

Variant haemoglobin detected

A peak in the HbS, HbE, HbD or another window suggests a variant haemoglobin, in carrier or disease form. Confirmation and family testing are usually advised.

Raised HbF

Can be seen in beta thalassaemia major or intermedia, some variant combinations and hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin. A haematologist interprets this with the full blood count.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

Why is the HPLC Test done?

• Screening for beta thalassaemia carrier status (thalassaemia minor or trait)
• Pre-marital and pre-pregnancy screening, and screening early in pregnancy
• Small red cells (low MCV) on a CBC that do not improve with iron
• Suspected sickle cell disease or trait, or HbE
• Family history of thalassaemia or a child with thalassaemia in the family

What does the HPLC Test (Haemoglobin Electrophoresis by HPLC) measure?

6 parameters. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

HPLC Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Blood. Fasting: Not required.

• You do not need to fast for this test. Please tell the lab if you have had a blood transfusion in the last 3 months, as this can mask the result.

Frequently asked questions