[Hemoglobin abnormalities diagnosis in the clinical laboratory (author's transl)].

For routine detection of hemoglobin abnormalities, a number of tests are necessary including hemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH, the study of hemoglobin molecular stability, possibly assay for hemoglobin A2 and hemoglobin F, as well as tests for reduced hemoglobin solubility in cases where hemoglobin S is suspected. Among the complementary techniques required for identification of abnormal hemoglobin or electrophoretically "silent" mutants, isoelectrofocalization is the method of choice and is easily set up in the clinical laboratory.