Identification of fetal hemoglobin in blood stains by high performance liquid chromatography

A new method for the identification of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) in blood stains by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography is described. Differentiation between fetal and adult blood stains is based on the existence of gamma-chain peaks which are characteristics of Hb F. Very few gamma chains appeared on chromatograms of all the adult blood stains examined. The level of Hb F could be determined by measuring the total of chromatogram gamma-globin chain areas, and expressing it as a percentage of total Hb. Levels in six cord blood stains on filter paper ranged from 81.1% to 91.3% and remained constant for at least 12 weeks. This method is of great value for its simplicity, sensitivity and speed, and most importantly for its reliability in the field of forensic medicine.