Precision of CAPILLARYS 2 for the Detection of Hemoglobin Variants Based on Their Migration Positions

Objectives: In this report, we evaluated utility of the capillary electrophoresis (CE) migration position of the CAPILLARYS 2 CE instrument. Methods: The precision of this x-axis number was determined on a selection of common hemoglobin (Hb) variants (Hb S, Hb C, Hb D-Punjab, Hb E, Hb Hope), and the reproducibility of this number was evaluated by comparing the results obtained by two large reference laboratories on 81 Hb variants. Additionally, the CE migration position is given for a total of 409 Hb variants. Results: The x-axis migration position showed excellent intra-and interassay precision. Comparison of Hb variants seen by both laboratories showed that 83% had a difference in migration position of 1 unit or less. Only three rare Hb variants showed a difference of more than 2 units. Conclusion: In summary, the CE migration position is a reproducible value and can be used as an aid in the identification of Hb variants.