Isoelectric focusing in agarose gel for detection and identification of hemoglobin variants.

The use of isoelectric focusing in agarose gel was examined to test its usefulness for screening of cord blood hemoglobins and for the identification of hemoglobin variants in general. Advantages of agarose include: short running times, ease of preparation, and nontoxicity. In cord blood samples identification of Hb S, Hb C, and Hb Bart's was achieved. Separation of 16 hemoglobin variants, including six of clinical and geographical importance, was shown.