Haemoglobin S Solubility Test

Department of Haematology

Haemoglobin S Solubility may be performed in urgent situations (eg. pre anaesthetic) out of hours or if time does not permit full Haemoglobin HPLC.
All solubility results are confirmed by Haemoglobin HPLC at the first available opportunity.
HbS solubility studies are not suitable for use on cord samples or patients under 6 months old.
False negative results may occur when using post transfusion samples. Please send pre transfusion samples wherever possible.
Results unreliable in the presence of high Hb F levels.
In the presence of high levels of protein e.g. myeloma and HIV, unreliable results are obtained.
False negative results may occur in cases of severe anaemia.
If an urgent solubility is required, please clearly mark the request form as urgent.
Sickle solubility performed at GRH. Confirmatory HPLC performed at GRH.
Sickle solubility can be added onto an EDTA sample for up to 7 days.

1ml, 2ml or 4ml EDTA sample

Urgent: 2 hours

Routine: 1 week

Add on requests will be accepted although, if request is >3 days post collection, the sample may have been discarded. Please discuss with laboratory.

N/A. Results reported as positive or negative for the presence of HbS. Quantitation by HPLC will follow