Haemoglobin Electrophoresis (Blood) Test | Austin Pathology

View the new Tube Guide and Swab Guides. You can also order hard copies via our Order Form.

Austin Pathology

Test Directory

Search in the bar above for available tests.
Type any letter of the alphabet to be presented with all available results for that letter.

Haemoglobin Electrophoresis (Blood)

Alternate Names	Haemoglobinopathy screen, Hb EPG, Thalassaemia screen, Hb electrophoresis
Test Code	HBEP
Testing Laboratory	Immunology
Specimen Type	Blood
Container Type	See collection instructions
Medicare Rebate	Yes
Out of Pocket Costs	None
Ordering Information	Routine estimation of HbA2 and HbF. Detection of abnormal haemoglobins. FOR CLINICIANS: Please also order a Full Blood Examination and Iron Studies.
Collection Instructions	Required specimens: 2 x 4mL EDTA tubes. These are for the Hb electrophoresis and an FBE. DO NOT collect 9mL EDTA tubes. These are not acceptable for FBE. 1 x serum SST (gold cap OR red cap with yellow insert). This is for Iron Studies (required for Hb Electrophoresis, even when not requested).
Transport Instructions	Transport ambient at room temperature
Storage Instructions	Store refrigerated at 4°C
Testing Frequency	Weekly
Min Test Volume	4mL
Add On Test Suitability	This test can be added up to 7 days from collection, subject to sample availability.

Container ID	EW, EWP, CH
CSR Instructions	Instructions for: Metropolitan & Regional Specimen Receptions If a serum tube is not received for Iron Studies, please DO NOT ORGANISE A RECOLLECTION as Immunology will manage these. Please consult Immunology (ph:03 9496 5254) for any queries regarding recollection. Instructions for: Heidelberg Specimen Reception Send 1 x 4mL EDTA tube to Immunology. Please process remaining tubes for a Full Blood Examination (FBE) and Iron studies (FES). Please note that when HBEP is requested, FBE and FES are automatically added at the same time, as these are required for the interpretation of the Hb Electrophoresis results.
Laboratory Instructions	None
Accredited Test	Yes

These PDF documents can be downloaded for your reference

Order of Draw (PDF)

Swab Collection Guide (PDF)

Pre-Transfusion Specimen Requirements (PDF)

Requirements for Pathology Service (PDF)