Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Hemoglobin electrophoresis (pronunciation: hee-muh-gloh-bin ee-lek-troh-fer-ee-sis) is a blood test that separates the different types of hemoglobin present in the bloodstream.
Etymology
The term "hemoglobin" is derived from the Greek words "haima" meaning "blood" and "globus" meaning "sphere". "Electrophoresis" comes from the Greek "electron" meaning "amber", which was known to create static electricity, and "phoresis" meaning "to carry".
Procedure
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is performed by applying an electric current to a gel matrix containing a blood sample. The different types of hemoglobin move at different speeds through the matrix, allowing them to be separated and identified. This test is used to diagnose various blood disorders, including sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and other hemoglobinopathies.
Related Terms
- Hemoglobin: The protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
- Electrophoresis: A laboratory technique used to separate and identify proteins, nucleic acids, and other molecules based on their size and charge.
- Sickle cell anemia: A genetic blood disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape.
- Thalassemia: A group of inherited blood disorders characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production.
- Hemoglobinopathies: A group of blood disorders and diseases that affect the hemoglobin molecule.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hemoglobin electrophoresis
- Wikipedia's article - Hemoglobin electrophoresis
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