HEMOGLOBIN ELECTROPHORESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate and identify different types of hemoglobin molecules in a person's blood. Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues and removing carbon dioxide. It is made up of different types of protein chains, called globins. In normal and healthy individuals, the most common type of hemoglobin is called hemoglobin A, which is composed of two alpha and two beta globin molecules.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis involves subjecting a person's blood sample to an electric current, which causes the hemoglobin molecules to migrate through a gel or liquid medium. This separation is based on the difference in size, shape, and electrical charge of the various hemoglobin proteins. By applying an electrical field, shorter and smaller molecules move towards the positive electrode (anode), while longer and larger ones move towards the negative electrode (cathode).
The resulting pattern of separated hemoglobin bands can provide information about the presence of abnormal hemoglobin variants or mutations. Abnormal hemoglobin types, such as hemoglobin S in sickle cell disease or hemoglobin C in hemoglobin C disease, have altered protein structures that can cause health problems. Identifying specific hemoglobin variants through electrophoresis is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various hemoglobinopathies, including thalassemias and sickle cell disorders.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is an essential diagnostic tool in hematology and is often used to confirm suspected genetic disorders and differentiate between different types of anemia. It aids in understanding the genetic basis of these conditions and helps determine appropriate treatment options for patients.
Etymology of HEMOGLOBIN ELECTROPHORESIS
The term "hemoglobin electrophoresis" can be broken down into two parts: "hemoglobin" and "electrophoresis".
1. Hemoglobin:
- The word "hemoglobin" can be traced back to the Greek roots "hema" meaning "blood" and "globin" meaning "protein" or "globular".
- Hemoglobin refers to the protein molecule found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
2. Electrophoresis:
- The term "electrophoresis" is derived from the Greek roots "electro" meaning "electricity" and "phoresis" meaning "movement".
- Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate and analyze charged molecules based on their size and electrical charge.
