Hi-Speed Sickle Kit (Centrifugation based detection of Hemoglobin ‘S’)

Human hemoglobin is formed from two pairs of globin chains each with a heme group attached. The binding of a heme group into the heme pocket in each chain is vital for the oxygen? carrying capacity of the molecule and stabilizes the whole molecule. Alterations in the structure of hemoglobin are usually brought about by point mutations that affect the coding for amino acids in the globin chains .This kit is based on the solubility difference between HbS and HbA in Solubility Test Reagent. When red cells are introduced into such a solution, they lyse immediately. The hemoglobin released from the lysed red cells, is reduced by components in Reagent S provided with the kit. This reaction causes precipitation of HbS leading to turbidity of the reaction mixture. However,HbA, as well as other hemoglobins are soluble leading to clarity in the reaction mixture. This test is simple and stable screening test and so the samples tested positive should be confirmed by electrophoresis so as to reduce the chances of False Positives.