A rapid test for sickle hemoglobin

T. Asakura, M. E. Segal, S. Friedman and E. Schwartz

Vigorous shaking of oxygenated sickle hemoglobin (Hb S) in solution causes precipitation of the hemoglobin. This unusual property of Hb S forms the basis of a simple test for the presence of Hb S. Comparison of results of this test with those from cellulose acetate electrophoresis in blood samples from 599 patients showed no false-positive or false-negative results. The group tested included 55 persons with sickling disorders and 47 others with unusual hemoglobin patterns. This test may be used to confirm the presence of Hb S or to establish the diagnosis of sickling disorders rapidly in the clinic or at the bedside.