Comparison of two methods for the quantification and identification of hemoglobin variants

Abstract

Background The Sebia Capillarys 2, a capillary electrophoresis method, was compared to a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrophoresis at alkaline and acid pH for the presumptive identification and quantitation of hemoglobin variants. Methods The concordance of hemoglobin variant identification on the Sebia Capillarys 2 with the combination of HPLC and electrophoresis at alkaline and acid pH was evaluated by analyzing samples on both systems. The quantification, expressed as % of total hemoglobin, of the common hemoglobin variants on the Capillarys 2 and the Bio Rad VARIANT II β thalassemia methods were compared. Results The % hemoglobin variant results for the two methods were similar for HbS and slightly different for HbC and D Punjab and significantly different for HbE. The Sebia Capillarys 2 correctly identified a number of hemoglobin variants. Conclusion The Sebia Capillarys 2 is suitable for the presumptive identification and quantification of hemoglobin variants producing results comparable with existing HPLC and electrophoresis methods.