Fetal Hemoglobin (Hb F), Quantitative
Fetal Hemoglobin (Hb F), Quantitative
A fetal hemoglobin (Hb F), quantitative test is used to measure the amount of hemoglobin in the fetal blood sample.
Hemoglobin F is a type of hemoglobin found in fetuses or newborn babies and is different from the type of hemoglobin present in adults (Hb A). The Hb F is usually replaced with the Hb A hemoglobin type by the age of two years. The abnormal levels (too low or too high) of Hb F can be a sign that the newborn may have sickle cell anemia, beta-thalassemia, leukemia, or any hereditary disorder related to blood.
Thus, getting the fetal hemoglobin (Hb F), quantitative test is recommended for detecting disorders related to blood in children and adults
Symptoms of anemia
The symptoms of anemia may include:
Fatigue
Headache
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeat
Pain
Other heart problems
What is the fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) test used for?
Fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) test is done for many reasons including
To diagnose hemoglobin disorders
To diagnose anemia
To diagnose sickle cell disease
To diagnose thalassemia
Preparation for Test
The fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) test may not require any special preparation. Some medications can also affect the test results, so ensure your doctor is aware of what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you are taking
Interpretation of Test Results
|
Interpretation |
Normal range |
|
0-3 months |
40.0-85.0 % |
|
>3-6 months |
8.0-40.0 % |
|
>6 months-1 year |
<8.0 % |
|
>1 year |
<2.0 % |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
Elevated test results may indicate certain hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, thalassemia major, thalassemia minor etc
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) quantitative test?
A healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood will be collected in a test tube or vial and sent to the lab for analysis
What are the risks associated with the fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) quantitative test?
There are no known risks associated with this test. During a blood test, one may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the result of the fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) quantitative test?
The fetal hemoglobin (Hb F), quantitative test result is usually available within 2–5 days after the sample collection. This duration may vary depending on the particular diagnostic clinic
What conditions might affect the test results?
Elevated levels of Hb F might diagnose sickle cell anemia, anemia, or leukemia, but does not confirm the condition present in the blood. Some people do not show any symptoms of the disease and more testing is required to confirm different blood disorders. Also blood transfusions done prior to the test can alter the result
What is the difference between adult hemoglobin and fetal hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is made of protein subunits. It varies in both adults and infants. In adults, hemoglobin is structured with two alpha (α) and two beta (β) subunits, while in infants it is structured with two alpha (α) and two gamma (γ) subunits
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