HPLC Test- Price, Purpose, & Results! [2024]
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) is a blood test that measures the different types of hemoglobin in the blood and also checks for abnormal types of hemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein present in the red blood cells that helps transport oxygen to all parts of the body. The most abundant type of hemoglobin found in healthy adults is Hemoglobin A (HgbA) while the one found in unborn or new born babies is Haemoglobin F (HgbF). There are many abnormal varieties of Hemoglobin as well like HgbS found in sickle cell disease. Diseases with abnormal hemoglobin are termed as hemoglobinopathies. HPLC can help detect these. The price range of the HPLC blood tests is Rs 450 to Rs 1080.
Your doctor may recommend an HPLC test if you exhibit any of the following signs and symptoms-
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Paleness
- Chest pain
HPLC Test Details in Brief
Also Known As | Blood HPLC, Serum Hb Electrophoresis, Serum HPLC, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography blood test |
Purpose | For the diagnosis of diseases like thalessemia, anemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders |
Preparation | No special preparation required. |
Fasting | Yes |
Reporting Time | 8 – 24 hours |
Cost | Rs 450 – Rs 1080 |
Price
HPLC Test Price usually ranges from Rs 450 to Rs 1080. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centers
The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.
Name of Lab | Test Price |
---|---|
Redcliffe Labs | Rs 900 |
Thyrocare | Rs 450 |
City X-Ray | Rs 600 |
Janta X-Ray | Rs 600 |
Bharat X-Ray | Rs 600 |
Prognosis Laboratories | Rs 496 |
Dr Lal path labs | Rs 950 |
Aarthi Scan | Rs 900 |
Cost in different cities
The test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the city.
City | Test Price |
---|---|
HPLC Test Price in Delhi | Rs 450 to Rs 900 |
HPLC Test Price in Mumbai | Rs 950 to Rs 720 |
HPLC Test Price in Bangalore | Rs 900 |
HPLC Test Price in Hyderabad | Rs 450 to Rs 1078 |
HPLC Test Price in Gurgaon | Rs 720 to Rs 900 |
HPLC Test Price in Chennai | Rs 900 to Rs 950 |
HPLC Test Price in Kolkata | Rs 540 to Rs 1080 |
Purpose
- Amino Acid Analysis by HPLC: Identifying and quantifying amino acids in a blood sample for the diagnosis of metabolic disorders.
- Vitamin Analysis by HPLC: Measuring the concentration of vitamins in a blood sample to assess nutritional status or diagnose vitamin deficiencies.
- Hemoglobinopathy Screening by HPLC: Detecting and quantifying different types of hemoglobin variants, which may indicate blood disorders such as –
- Sickle cell anemia– It is a genetic blood disorder that causes the red blood cells to be abnormally shaped and can lead to various complications.
- Thalassemia– It is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, leading to anemia and other complications.
- Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Analysis by HPLC: For the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, measuring the proportion of glycated haemoglobin in a blood sample can help determine the average blood glucose levels over the previous few months.
- Drug Screening by HPLC: For the purpose of therapeutic drug monitoring or drug misuse screening, identifying and measuring drugs or their metabolites in a blood sample.
- Monitoring and detecting drug or alcohol usage by checking blood levels of these substances.
Preparation
- Fasting for a specific period before the test, especially if the HPLC test is being done to measure glucose or lipid level.
- Informing the healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
- Wearing a short-sleeved shirt to allow for easy access to the arm for blood collection.
Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. Below are the steps to draw a blood sample from the vein in your arm or hand-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- Then the site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
What is Hemoglobin (Hb) Electrophoresis by HPLC test?
The red blood cells carry the haemoglobin protein, which is in charge of delivering oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. Hemoglobin electrophoresis can help identify abnormal hemoglobin variants, such as those associated with sickle cell anemia or thalassemia. Medical professionals frequently use HPLC, which is a very accurate and precise approach, to detect and measure hemoglobin variations for hemoglobinopathy screening and diagnosis.
Several different kinds of haemoglobin are analyzed in this test, including:
- Hemoglobin A – Adult hemoglobin
- Hemoglobin F
Note: Both infants and growing foetuses contain haemoglobin F. After birth, haemoglobin A quickly substitutes for it. Both children and adults have haemoglobin A. Hemoglobin of this type is the most common kind. Rare kinds of defective haemoglobin that develop as a result of genetic abnormalities include haemoglobin C, D, E, M, and S.
Risk
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
Result
Hemoglobin F range in children:
Age | Hemoglobin F |
Newborn | 60 to 80% |
1+ Year | 1 to 2% |
Normal levels of other types of hemoglobin in adults
Type | Percentage |
Hemoglobin A | 95% – 98% |
Hemoglobin A2 | 2% – 3% |
Hemoglobin F | 1% – 2% |
Sample Report
Limitations
- Limited sensitivity: HPLC is not as sensitive as other analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry. It may not be able to detect low levels of certain biomolecules in the blood.
- Limited specificity: HPLC may not be able to distinguish between different molecular species that have similar chemical properties.
- Interferences: HPLC results may be affected by the presence of interfering substances in the blood, such as drugs or metabolites.
- Cost: HPLC instrumentation and maintenance can be expensive, which may limit its availability in some healthcare settings.
- Time-consuming: HPLC analysis can be time-consuming, which may delay the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a blood test via HPLC is a diagnostic method for determining the concentrations of different substances in a person’s blood, such as amino acids, vitamins, and hemoglobin types. In general, HPLC tests are risk-free, well-tolerated by patients, and there is little chance of complications. To guarantee that the test findings are accurate and dependable, it is crucial to follow to any preparatory instructions given by your healthcare practitioner.
The use of HPLC technology has significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of blood testing, allowing for rapid and reliable detection of biomarkers and disease markers in clinical practice. Overall, HPLC tests are a vital part of contemporary healthcare and are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous illnesses.
FAQs
A regular blood test typically measures the levels of specific substances in the blood, whereas an HPLC test uses high-performance liquid chromatography to separate and measure individual components of a sample, allowing for more precise and detailed analysis.
The time it takes to get HPLC test results can vary depending on the specific test being performed and the laboratory processing the sample. Generally, results are available within a few days to a week.
Depending on the specific test being performed, there may be some preparation required before an HPLC test. This may include fasting, stopping certain medications, or avoiding certain foods or beverages. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions.
HPLC tests can be used to diagnose or monitor a wide range of medical conditions, including diabetes, blood disorders like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, and certain types of cancer.
Most people do not experience significant pain during an HPLC test. You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort when the needle is inserted, but this should be brief and mild.