Blood Res.  2015 Mar;50(1):46-50. 10.5045/br.2015.50.1.46.

Comparative analysis of cellulose acetate hemoglobin electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography for quantitative determination of hemoglobin A2

• Khosa SM
• Usman M
• Moinuddin
• Mehmood HO
• Qamar K

• KMID: 1787912
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5045/br.2015.50.1.46

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The present study is designed to evaluate the reliability and cost effectiveness of cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the determination of HbA2 levels.
METHODS
The test population comprised 160 individuals divided into four groups: normal individuals, beta-thalassemia trait (BTT) patients, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) patients, and co-morbid patients (BTT with IDA). HbA2 levels determined using cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis and HPLC were compared.
RESULTS
HbA2 levels were found to be diagnostic for classical BTT using either method. In co-morbid cases, both techniques failed to diagnose all cases of BTT. The sensitivity, specificity, and Youden's index for detection of the co-morbid condition was 69% and 66% for HPLC and cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis, respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed that semi-automated cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis is more suitable for use in beta-thalassemia prevention programs in low-income countries like Pakistan. This technique is easily available, simple and cost effective.

Keyword

Cellulose acetate hemoglobin electrophoresis; Hemoglobin A2; High performance liquid chromatography

MeSH Terms

Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
beta-Thalassemia
Cellulose*
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
Chromatography, Liquid*
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Electrophoresis*
Hemoglobin A2*
Humans
Pakistan
Sensitivity and Specificity
Cellulose
Hemoglobin A2