• Total Hemoglobin
• Total RBC Count
• MCV
• MCH
• RDW - CV
• Hb A0 Level
• Hb A2 Level
• Hb F (Foetal Hb) Level
• Sickle cell Window
• Hb D-Window
• Hb C-Window
• Hb E -Window
• Unknown Variant
• Impression:
• Advise:
• PARAMETERS EXPLAINED:
• Red Cell Indices (Hb, RBC, MCV, MCH, RDW): These provide the foundation for interpretation. Low MCV and MCH levels are classic indicators of Thalassemia, even if total hemoglobin is near normal.
• Major Hemoglobin Fractions (A0, A2, F):
  Hb A2: Elevated levels (typically >3.5%) are the hallmark of Beta Thalassemia Trait.
  Hb F (Foetal Hb): Naturally high in newborns but elevated in adults during certain Thassemias or Sickle Cell Disease.
• Variant Windows (Sickle, D, C, E, Unknown): The HPLC machine identifies "peaks" that correspond to abnormal hemoglobins such as Hb S (Sickle Cell), Hb E, or Hb D-Punjab.
• Interpretation (Impression & Advice): A specialized Pathologist reviews the numerical data and the chromatogram graph to provide a definitive diagnostic impression and further testing advice.

Why is HPLC better than old-fashioned electrophoresis?

HPLC is faster, more precise, and can detect and quantify very small amounts of abnormal hemoglobin that older methods might miss.

Why does the report take 24 hours?

The analysis itself is quick, but every chromatogram (the result graph) must be carefully reviewed by a specialized pathologist to ensure correct identification of variants.

What if I just had a blood transfusion?

You must wait at least 90–120 days. A transfusion fills your body with someone else's hemoglobin, making it impossible to see your own genetic profile.

Does a "Thalassemia Trait" mean I am sick?

No. Carriers (traits) are usually healthy but can pass the gene to their children. It is vital for family planning.

Can I take this test while pregnant?

Yes, it is a routine part of prenatal care to check for carrier status.

Can I drink water before the test?

Yes, plain water is fine and does not affect the results.

Why is iron deficiency a problem for this test?

Very low iron can pull your HbA2 level down into the "normal" range even if you have the Thalassemia trait, leading to a "False Negative".

Is this the same as a "Sugar" HPLC?

No. While both use HPLC technology, this test looks for hemoglobin variants, whereas the HbA1c test looks for sugar-coated hemoglobin.

Can this test diagnose Sickle Cell?

Yes, it identifies HbS, which is the hallmark of Sickle Cell Trait or Disease.

Why is my HbF high?

HbF is normally high in babies. In adults, it can be high due to pregnancy, certain medications, or specific genetic conditions.

Is the sample collection painful?

It is a standard blood draw (3ml) from a vein in your arm, which feels like a quick pinch.

Do children need this test?

Yes, if they are persistently pale or have a family history of blood disorders.

Can I take the test if I have a cold?

Yes, minor infections do not affect your genetic hemoglobin types.

What is a "Variant"?

A variant is any hemoglobin that has a different structure than the normal HbA.

Is the test result confidential?

Absolutely. At Dr. Patho Labs & Diagnostics, all genetic and diagnostic data are protected by strict privacy protocols.