Hemoglobin electrophoresis in sickle cell disease typically shows which pattern?

• A. HgbS With No HgbA and Increased HgbF
• B. HgbS With Presence of HgbA
• C. HgbS Only
• D. HgbS With Increased HgbA2

Answer: (A)

In sickle cell disease, the beta-globin mutation produces hemoglobin S instead of normal HbA, and the production of HbA is absent. On electrophoresis, you’ll see HbS as the dominant hemoglobin, with little to no HbA present. HbF is often increased in many patients, which shifts the pattern toward more fetal hemoglobin relative to HbA, even though HbF levels vary. HbA2 is usually normal. So the typical pattern is HbS predominant, HbA absent, and HbF increased. If HbA appears, that would suggest a different condition such as sickle cell trait or some forms of beta-thalassemia, rather than classic sickle cell disease.