Adult human blood normally contains three types of<unk> :<unk>  A, which makes up approximately 95% of the total;<unk>  A2, which accounts for less than 3.5%; and a minute amount of<unk>  F. If abnormal<unk>  variants such as<unk>  S (which occurs in sickle cell disease), C or E are present, they will appear as unexpected bands on<unk>  (provided they do not migrate to the same place as other<unk> s).<unk>  can also be used to investigate thalassemias, which are caused by decreased production of subunits of the<unk>  molecule.<unk>  A2 levels are typically elevated in beta-thalassemia minor and<unk>  F may be slightly increased. In beta-thalassemia major,<unk>  A is decreased (or in some cases absent) and<unk>  F is markedly elevated; A2 levels are variable. In<unk>  H disease, a form of alpha-thalassemia, an abnormal band of<unk>  H can be detected, and sometimes a band of<unk>  Barts; but in the milder alpha-thalassemia trait,<unk>  results are effectively normal.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Reticulocyte production index
Serum protein electrophoresis
Coombs test
Total iron-binding capacity
Transferrin saturation
Complete blood count
Lipid profile