Rapid diagnosis of thalassemias and other hemoglobinopathies by capillary electrophoresis system

Basic diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies can be performed by analysis of erythrocyte indices as well as by the separation and quantification of the common hemoglobin (Hb) fractions Hb A₂, Hb S, Hb C, Hb D, Hb E, and Hb F. This study used an automatic capillary zone electrophoresis system to diagnose various types of hemoglobinopathies common in the Thai population. A total of 459 adults were recruited, which consisted of normal, various types of thalassemia carriers, and thalassemia patients with different genotypes. Hb types and quantification of all Hb components were determined by an automated capillary zone electrophoresis. The automatic capillary electrophoresis system can separate and quantitate Hbs A, F, E, A₂, Constant Spring (CS), H, and Bart's in a way that is comparable with other Hb analysis methods. Moreover, the Hb A₂ peak can be distinguished clearly from the Hb E peak in individuals who carry Hb E. The slightly increased levels of Hb A₂, 3.5% ± 0.4%, which is shown in the carriers of Hb E, confirm that Hb E is the silent phenotype of β⁺-thalassemia.

Abbreviations: CE, capillary electrophoresis, CS, Constant Spring, CV, coefficient of variation, CZE, capillary zone electrophoresis, Hb, hemoglobin, HPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography, MCH, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCV, mean corpuscular volume