Standardization in abnormal hemoglobin detection. An evaluation of hemoglobin electrophoresis kits.

Three widely used commercial hemoglobin electrophoresis kits were studied to ascertain specificity, accuracy, precision, and characteristics of product information. Two hundred and ninety-six hemoglobin samples were used to evaluate each kit. Except for poor separation of hemoglobin F by one kit, all three kits gave generally satisfactory results. We give specific recommendations for improving these kits and for laboratory quality-control practices.