Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Test LIS Code: Hb screen
Private haemoglobin electrophoresis blood test (haemoglobinopathy screen) for sickle cell and beta thalassaemia carriers, £135. No GP referral. Slough, Victoria, Neasden.
Before your test
Good to know: If you have had a blood transfusion in the last 3 months, tell us before booking, as it can affect the result.
Test Categories
About this test
A haemoglobin electrophoresis test (also called a haemoglobinopathy screen) looks at the types of haemoglobin in your red blood cells. Haemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen around your body. Some people inherit a different form of it, and this test shows whether you have, or carry, one of these inherited conditions.
Our UKAS-accredited laboratory runs it by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the modern standard method for haemoglobin analysis. It measures your normal adult haemoglobin and the small amounts of HbA2 and HbF, and picks up variants such as HbS and HbC.
What the test can show
- Sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease (HbS), and related types such as HbSC.
- Beta thalassaemia trait, usually seen as a raised HbA2.
- Other haemoglobin variants, such as HbC, HbD and HbE.
- Raised fetal haemoglobin (HbF) in adults.
Alpha thalassaemia trait often does not show up on this test. If your results and blood count suggest it, a doctor may recommend a specific DNA test.
Who has this test?
- Before or early in pregnancy, to find out whether you or your partner carry sickle cell or thalassaemia. If both partners are carriers, each pregnancy has a 1 in 4 chance of a baby with the condition, so it is best done as early as possible, ideally before pregnancy.
- A family history of sickle cell disease or thalassaemia.
- Family background: carrying a haemoglobin variant is more common in people with African, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Southeast Asian heritage.
- Small red blood cells (a low MCV on a full blood count) when iron levels are normal.
Things that can affect the result
- A recent blood transfusion (in the last 3 months) can hide or change the result.
- Low iron can lower HbA2 and make beta thalassaemia trait harder to see, so a ferritin test alongside is often useful.
Your results
Results are usually ready in about 5 working days and come to your online account with the laboratory's comments. Being a carrier usually causes no symptoms, but it matters for family planning. If your result shows a variant, you can book a private GP consultation to talk it through, and partners can be tested too.
Planning a pregnancy or already pregnant? See our Pregnancy & Hormone Blood Test and the other pregnancy tests we offer. Book at our Slough clinic, Victoria or Neasden; a £25 blood draw is added per visit.
