The Hb Electrophoresis Test, or the Hemoglobin electrophoresis, is a laboratory test that separates the different types of hemoglobin in a blood sample. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. There are several types of hemoglobin, and the proportions of each type can vary depending on an individual's age and other factors.
The electrophoresis test can diagnose several conditions that affect hemoglobin's production or function, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. It can also monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions. The test involves running a blood sample through a special gel that separates the different types of hemoglobin based on their charge and size. The experts then visualize and analyze the separated hemoglobins to determine the proportions of each type present in the sample.