Detection of beta-thalassemia (homozygous) by hemoglobin electrophoresis on agar gel and citrate agar medium: a case report.

A seven month old male baby was admitted to NICU of BPKIHS, Dharan with dyspnoea and distress. He was investigated for hemolytic anemia and suspected of beta Thalassemia (Homozygous) based on the low level of Hb and high HbF%. To investigate further, Hb electrophoresis was carried out using agar gel and citrate agar gel at pH 8.6 and 6.0 respectively along with control. Electrophoretogram showed single narrow band lagging behind the healthy control moved toward anode at pH 8.6 and single narrow band moved parallel to healthy control toward cathode at pH 6.0. Thus the diagnosis of betaThalassemia (Homozygous) is favored.