UNSTABLE HAEMOGLOBIN SCREENING TEST - blood

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Specimen: 5 mL blood in any anticoagulant.

Method: Haemolysate made from washed red cells and examined for the presence of precipitate after heating, or after incubation with isopropanol.

Reference Interval: Not detected.

Application: Investigation of haemolytic anaemia where unstable haemoglobinopathy is suspected.

Interpretation: Patients with an unstable haemoglobinopathy may have a chronic or intermittent haemolytic anaemia, or may have increased susceptibility to the haemolytic effects of oxidant drugs.

Reference: Winterbourn C. Semin Haematol 1990; 27: 41-50.

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