Characterization and application of a monoclonal antibody with dual specificity for hemoglobins S and C

In an effort to develop a rapid screening immunoassay for the presence of hemoglobin S (Hb S) in cord blood, we have produced a hybridoma (beta s-1) secreting a monoclonal antibody (MAb) with strict specificity for Hb S over hemoglobin (Hb A). A reactivity was observed for hemoglobin C (Hb C) that was weaker than that for Hb S but still greater than 10(3) times greater than that seen for Hb A. Application of this antibody in a dot blot assay provided for a rapid (50-minute) single-step confirmatory test for Hb S, Hb C, or both in cord blood hemolysates. The sensitivity of the test would allow for mass screening of cord blood hemolysates (40 mg total hemoglobin per milliliter) and detection of Hb S, Hb C, or both at concentrations greater than or equal to 1%.