Evaluation of a capillary electrophoresis method for routine determinationof hemoglobins A2 and F

Hemoglobin A(2) (Hb A(2)) and hemoglobin F (Hb F) are important analytes in the diagnosis and follow up of Hb diseases. We evaluated a new capillary z one electrophoresis (CZE) kit for Hb A(2) and Hb F measurements. The imprec ision ranged from 3% to 6% for Hb A(2) and Hb F at physiological and pathol ogical concentrations. The method compared well with cation-exchange HPLC f or Hb A(2) and Hb F and with anion-exchange chromatography in microcolumns (MAEC), for Hb A(2). Nevertheless, higher results were obtained [Hb A(2) (C ZE) (%) = 1.233 Hb A(2) (HPLC) - 0.2; Hb A(2) (CZE) (%) = 1.190 Hb A(2) (MA EC) + 0.1; Hb F-CZE (%) = 1.118 Hb F-HPLC + 0.4], and new reference values had to be determined (Hb A(2) 2.7-3.8%; Hb F <1.2%). Quantification of Hb A (2) was not influenced by Hb S. Measurement of Hb F was accurate and precis e except at low concentrations in Hb AS patients. This new CZE kit is rapid , precise, and reliable, and seems appropriate for use in clinical laborato ries.