Haemoglobin Electrophoresis (Sickle Cell Test)
Haemoglobin electrophoresis identifies the types of haemoglobin in your red blood cells. It is the test that confirms sickle cell disease (SS and related forms) and shows whether a person carries the sickle cell trait (AS). In Cameroon, where a large proportion of the population carries the trait, knowing your status matters for your own health and for your future children.
YGOPH runs a dedicated sickle cell programme. The test is used to diagnose babies and children, to screen newborns so that preventive care can start before the first crisis, and to help couples understand the risk for their children. If both parents are carriers, each pregnancy has a one-in-four chance of a child with sickle cell disease.
What is haemoglobin electrophoresis?
Haemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Normal adult haemoglobin is called HbA. In sickle cell disease, the body makes an abnormal form, HbS, which makes red cells rigid and sickle-shaped. Electrophoresis separates the different haemoglobins according to their electrical charge, so the laboratory can see which types are present and in what proportion, including HbA, HbS, HbC, HbF (fetal haemoglobin) and HbA2.
- A child with anaemia, jaundice, painful swelling of the hands or feet, or repeated pain crises
- Newborn screening, so that affected babies receive early preventive care
- Couples planning a family, or before marriage
- Pregnant women whose sickle cell status is unknown
- Brothers and sisters of a child with sickle cell disease
Good to know
Understanding the results
AA means normal haemoglobin. AS means you carry the sickle cell trait: you are healthy but can pass the gene to your children. SS, SC or S-beta-thalassaemia indicate sickle cell disease, which needs regular specialist follow-up. Other variants, such as AC, are also reported. Your doctor or genetic counsellor will explain what your result means for you and your family.
Screening newborns
At birth, most of a baby's haemoglobin is fetal haemoglobin (HbF), so newborn results look different: for example FA for a baby with normal haemoglobin, FAS for a carrier, or FS for a baby with sickle cell disease. YGOPH and its partners have screened more than 10,000 newborns, and babies found to have the disease are followed in our sickle cell clinic. Early results are usually confirmed later in infancy.
Testing before starting a family
Because the trait causes no symptoms, most carriers do not know their status. Testing both partners before or early in pregnancy allows couples to make informed choices and to prepare. Our team offers counselling to explain the results and the options available.