Comparison of two analytical methods (electrophoresis and HPLC) to detect thalassemias and hemoglobinopathies

The role of the laboratory in the diagnosis of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies is crucial. The objective of our study was to compare two common methods used in hemoglobinopathy and thalassemia investigation. Hemoglobin electrophoresis and HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) were used to investigate patients suspected with thalassemia. A total of 301 adult and child blood samples were examined for routine thalassemia screening with both methods. The HPLC method and electrophoresis methods gave similar results for patients without thalassemia. HbH disease was readily noted on HPLC but was difficult to detect on electrophoresis. There were some changes in classification for patients with possible β thalassemia minor. For patients with β thalassemia the HPLC gave better results for low HbA2 concentrations.