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Test ID UNHB Unstable Hemoglobin, Blood

Useful For

Work-up of congenital hemolytic anemias

Method Name

Only orderable as part of a profile or as a reflex. For more information see HAEVP / Hemolytic Anemia Evaluation; or HBELC / Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Cascade, Blood; or THEVP / Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation; or REVE / Erthrocytosis Evaluation; or MEVP / Methemoglobinemia Evaluation.

Reporting Name

Unstable Hemoglobin, B

Specimen Type

Whole Blood EDTA

Only orderable as part of a profile or as a reflex. For more information see HAEVP / Hemolytic Anemia Evaluation; or HBELC / Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Cascade, Blood; or THEVP / Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation; or REVE / Erthrocytosis Evaluation; or MEVP / Methemoglobinemia Evaluation.

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Whole Blood EDTA Refrigerated 7 days

Clinical Information

Unstable hemoglobin disease is rare and may be caused by any 1 of a large number of hemoglobin variants. They are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The severity of the disease varies according to the hemoglobin variant; there may be no clinical symptoms or the disease may produce a mild, moderate, or severe hemolytic anemia.

 

The stained peripheral blood smear shows anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, basophilic stippling, polychromasia and, sometimes, hypochromia. The reticulocyte count may be increased. Splenomegaly and Heinz bodies may also be present.

Reference Values

Only orderable as part of a profile or as a reflex. For more information see HAEVP / Hemolytic Anemia Evaluation; or HBELC / Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Cascade, Blood; or THEVP / Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation; or REVE / Erthrocytosis Evaluation; or MEVP / Methemoglobinemia Evaluation.

 

Normal (reported as normal [stable] or abnormal [unstable])

Cautions

False positives will be obtained in blood specimens containing >5% fetal hemoglobin or in specimens >1 week old.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

83068

NY State Approved

Yes