Isoelectric focusing of human hemoglobins

Isoelectric focusing on thin layer of acrylamide gel has been used for the characterization of 79 different variants of hemoglobin A. This method has replaced the cellulose acetate electrophoresis in clinical laboratories in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Creteil for the detection of abnormal hemoglobins in populations at risk. Up to now 15,000 samples from adults have been evaluated. In addition this method has been used for the screening of 7,000 cord blood samples and for the prenatal diagnosis of severe hemoglobinopathies.