Identification of human hemoglobins by use of isoelectric focusing in gel.

Newly-developed gel isoelectric focusing techniques provide for rapid and correct identification of human hemoblobins. With this technique, we examined samples previously identified by the National Hemoglobinopathy Standardization Laboratory of the Center for Disease Control. A wide variety of both normal and abnormal hemoglobins was included in the 134 different specimens examined. The isoelectric points (pl's) were precisely determined; no discrepancies with results by standard techniques of identification were found. The method is accurate and precise. It is proposed as a powerful adjunct to other laboratory methods suitable for use in a hemoglobinopathy reference laboratory or specialized hematology service laboratory.