Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) Quantification Test Price in Chandrasekharpur

Test Description

Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF), composed of two alpha and two gamma globin chains (alpha2-gamma2), is the predominant hemoglobin synthesized from the 10th week of gestation through the first 6 months of postnatal life. After birth, there is a physiological switch from gamma-chain to beta-chain synthesis, resulting in replacement of HbF by adult HbA. By 6 months of age, HbF constitutes less than 1% of total hemoglobin. Persistent elevation of HbF beyond this age is referred to as Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin (HPFH), a benign condition. HbF quantification is clinically important in the management of sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, where elevated HbF ameliorates disease severity by inhibiting sickling of HbS and compensating for defective beta-chain synthesis. HbF can be induced therapeutically with hydroxyurea in sickle cell disease. Quantification methods include the alkali denaturation (Singer) method, HPLC, and immunochromatography. Normal adult HbF: less than 1%; neonatal HbF: 60–90%.