Tareq Abadl: Did You Know That the Type of Hemoglobin in Our Blood Changes Throughout Life?
Tareq Abadl, Medical Lab Specialist, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Hemoglobin is not just one molecule!
Did you know that the type of hemoglobin in our blood changes throughout life?
Different globin chains combine to form different types of hemoglobin, each with its own physiological significance.
HbA — The Major Adult Hemoglobin
- α₂β₂
- The predominant hemoglobin in healthy adults
- Typically accounts for approximately 95–98% of total hemoglobin
- The main hemoglobin responsible for oxygen transport in adults
HbA₂ — The Minor Adult Fraction
- α₂δ₂
- Normally represents approximately 2–3.5% of total hemoglobin
- An important laboratory marker when evaluating β-thalassemia trait
- An increased HbA₂ level can support the diagnosis, but should always be interpreted alongside other laboratory findings.
HbF — Fetal Hemoglobin
- α₂γ₂
- The predominant hemoglobin during fetal life
- Has a higher oxygen affinity than HbA, helping facilitate oxygen transfer from mother to fetus
- After birth, HbF gradually decreases as HbA becomes the predominant form
Easy way to remember:
- HbA – β – Adult
- HbA₂ – δ – Minor adult fraction
- HbF – γ – Fetal life
Why does this matter in the laboratory?
Understanding hemoglobin fractions is essential when interpreting Hemoglobin Electrophoresis or HPLC, particularly in the investigation of thalassemias and other hemoglobinopathies.
Sometimes, a small percentage can provide a very important diagnostic clue.
Know your hemoglobin. Know your laboratory results.”
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