Hemoglobin

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What Is a Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test?

A hemoglobin electrophoresis test is a blood test used to measure and identify the different types of hemoglobin in your bloodstream. Hemoglobin is the protein inside red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your circulatory system to your tissues and organs.

If your hemoglobin is healthy, it will transport and release oxygen with maximum efficiency. If it’s abnormal in some way, it may cause too little oxygen to reach your tissues and organs.

The types of hemoglobin include the following:

• hemoglobin F: This type is found in growing fetuses and newborns. Soon after birth, it’s replaced with hemoglobin A.
• hemoglobin A: This is the most common type of hemoglobin found in healthy children and adults.
• hemoglobin C, D, E, M, and S: These (and many other, rarer variations) are types of abnormal hemoglobin.