Gamma chain heterogeneity: Determination of Hb F composition by perfusion chromatography

The (G)gamma y:(A)gamma ratio is around 70:30 at the time of birth and usua lly 40:60 in the trace amounts of Hb F found in the adult, Changes in this ratio are observed in several hemoglobin disorders providing insights on th e genetics and molecular pathophysiology of these diseases, Several techniq ues have been proposed to measure the (G)gamma:(A)gamma ratio, We here desc ribe perfusion chromatography which is now in routine use in one of our lab oratories, The method involves a high velocity flow of the mobile phase thr ough a porous reversed phase chromatographic stationary bed and allows us t o determine this parameter one order of magnitude faster than with conventi onal high performance liquid chromatography.