Haemoglobinopathy Screen

Description: 
The haemoglobinopathy screen by HPLC is used in conjuction with clinical details and results of the FBC to identify Haemoglobin variants and thalassaemias. All Hb variants detected are confirmed by a secondary method. This screen is commonly used in antenatal screening, pre-operative screening and to provide HbS% for transfused sickle cell patients.
Clinical details: 
Screen for haemoglobin variants and thalassaemias
Related condition or disease: 
Haemoglobinopathy, Hb variant carriers, Hb variant diseases and thalassaemias
Reference range: 

HbA2 1.8 - 3.4% of total Hb (adults only). HbF ≤1.5% of total Hb (adults only)

Synonyms or keywords: 
Sickle test, HbS%, Hb electrophoresis, haemoglobin electrophoresis, thalassaemia screen, SICK, HPLC, haemoglobinopathy, variant identification, sickle, antenatal screen
Department: 
Special Haematology Department
Location: 
Guy's Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Whole blood in EDTA. Required volume is variable as secondary testing may be required. The minimum acceptable volume of whole blood is 1mL.
Turnaround time: 
3 working days
Special sample instructions: 

Referred in samples must be fully labelled and accompanied with a completed referral request form.  A copy of the referral form can be located in the FURTHER INFO tab.  Please provide the FBC result, antenatal status and family origins.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Blood should be stored at 4°C where possible and may be transported at ambient temperature.
Contacts:
Special Haematology Department at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas’ Hospital
5th Floor - North Wing
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Telephone - 0207 188 8189

Guy’s Hospital
4th Floor - Southwark Wing
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Telephone - 020 7188 3421

Red Cell Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00 (adult):
rachel.kesse-adu@gstt.nhs.uk and Kate.Gardner1@gstt.nhs.uk
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00 (paediatric): Samah.Babiker@gstt.nhs.uk
Red Cell Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Technical Advisory Service
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00
yvonne.daniel@gstt.nhs.uk
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Red Cell Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital
Red Cell Referral Form
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Last updated: 19/05/2023