Hb J-Wenchang-Wuming [α11(A9)Lys→Gln (AAG>CAG) (α2 or α1)] compromises neonatal screening for α-thalassemia with the Sebia Capillarys2 electrophoresis system.

We describe a Chinese newborn who was assumed to have α(0)-thalassemia (α(0)-thal) by determining the amount of Hb Bart's (γ4) in the cord blood, but was later shown to have only α(+)-thal. Hb J-Wenchang-Wuming [α11(A9)Lys→Gln (AAG>CAG) (α2 or α1)] was mistaken for Hb Bart's as both hemoglobin (Hb) variants have the same mobility.