Comparison of microcolumn chromatography and laser densitometry of isoelectric focusing strip for the quantitation of Hb A2 and Hb S.

Anion exchange microcolumn chromatography is the ICSH (1978) recommended procedure for the quantitation of Hb A2 and Hb S. The use of isoelectric focusing (IEF) followed by laser densitometry of the separated haemoglobin bands is evaluated as a quick and reliable method for quantitation for Hb A2 and Hb S. A paired comparison of 35 specimens, 25 normal and 10 with beta thalassaemia trait, were quantitated for Hb A2. The two groups were well separated by both procedures and Hb A2 levels were similar (r = +0.93, P less than 0.001). In addition, paired analyses of 30 specimens, 20 sickle cell trait and 10 with sickle cell trait combined with alpha thalassaemia, were quantitated for Hb S. The two groups were also well separated by both procedures and Hb S levels were similar (r = +0.94, P less than 0.001). In conclusion, IEF followed by laser densitometry appears to be a reliable, quick procedure for the screening of populations at risk from beta thalassaemia and populations at risk from sickle cell trait, with or without alpha thalassaemia interaction.