Comparison of results for three methods of hemoglobin S identification

Abstract

The authors present comparative results of three diagnostic tests for identification of hemoglobin S, performed on specimens from a total of 4,739 persons. A simple, rapid, and economical procedure for cellulose acetate electrophoresis was more efficient than either the 'Sickledex' test (a dithionite test) or the metabisulfite reduction test. This is an important consideration as a minimum requirement for effective therapy and genetic counseling. Electrophoresis of hemoglobin on cellulose acetate is proposed as a primary screening procedure, with verification of positive samples by solubility tests. Its feasibility is discussed.