Laboratory screening of hemoglobinopathies

A procedure for the laboratory screening of hemoglobinopathies is described. The procedure employs hemoglobin electrophoresis followed by solubility testing to confirm presence of sickling hemoglobins. All initial screening tests are carried out on whole blood specimens collected on filter paper. The use of filter paper facilitates collection and results in considerable saving in time and mailing cost. The results of the first year screening confirm the findings of earlier studies that blood specimens collected on filter paper are satisfactory for electrophoresis and solubility tests. All tests are relatively easy to perform using readily available commercial reagents. The procedure is particularly suitable for public health laboratories in carrying out hemoglobinopathy screening programs.