Gazelle Hb Variant
The genotype of hemoglobin is one very important aspect of our health that must not be overlooked. This can be used to find the etiology of some genotypical diseases. The gazelle Hb variant is used for hemoglobin electrophoresis to deduce the genotype of the hemoglobin and also quantify it. Although you do not follow the same process you do when performing HB electrophoresis with the tank it gives more accurate results within a short time. You can also read about the principle of snibe maglumi 800.
The package of Gazelle Hb Variant
- HB Variant cartridge- 25
- Blood applicators-25
- 45ml buffer- 1 bottle
- 5ml marker-1 bottle
- Stamper stand-1
- Gazelle reader
How to perform Hb electrophoresis using Gazelle Hb Variant
Materials and tools- Hb variant cartridge- blood applicator, stamper, gazelle reader, anticoagulated blood, slide, micropipette, pipette tips, Eppendorf tubes,
Steps
- Turn on the Gazelle reader and make sure that it is fully charged before you start performing our test.
- Fill in the details of your patient- the name, identity number, age, and sex, and tap on continue.
- Gather materials and tools needed for the test.
- Pipette 20ul of blood into an Eppendorf tube and add 40ul of marker fluid.
- Place the mixed sample on the vortexer while holding it for 20 seconds.
- Pipette 50ul of the buffer into the HB variant cartridge via the hole in the middle of the second hole. Or the hole closest to the cartridge space.
- Insert the cartridge edge into the stamper stand with the slanted edge facing downwards for 60 seconds. This is done to wet the paper in the cartridge just as it is done when using the tank.
- Pipette 20ul of the mixed blood and marker fluid unto a clean slide.
- Now place the stamper stand on the cartridge with the applicator slot facing upwards.
- Use the blood applicator to pick the solution from the slide and insert it into the applicator slot.
- Use your fingers to press the edges of the stamper.
- Remove the stamper and turn over the cartridge.
- Add 200ul of the buffer to each hole in the cartridge.
- Raise the lid of the gazelle reader and place the cartridge in it as it has been shaped.
- Close the lid and tap on start to commence Hb electrophoresis. This will take about 8 minutes.
Observation and interpretation of results
You will observe the bands separating on the screens just as it does on the acetate paper when using the tank.
After 8 minutes you will observe that the bands have separated to denote the various types of hemoglobin.
- Tap on next which will display the percentages of the various hemoglobin types you have and the possible phenotype of your genotype.
- Hb-AA is normal
- HB-AS or Hb AC has the sickle trait
- HB SS and HB SC – disease
Principle of Hb electrophoresis using Gazelle Hb Variant
The principle Gazelle Hb variant is similar to that of the use of the tank. When the RBC is lysed by the marker fluid is placed into the cartridge by the blood applicator, the blood is able to separate on the cellulose acetate paper lined in the cartridge. The 200ul buffer pipetted into the two holes provides an alkaline solution that will allow the blood with a negative charge to separate into bands via the voltage applied to it. Read about the principle of the G6PD test.
Precaution
- Make sure that the right amount of buffer goes into the cartridge.
- Charge the Gazelle reader before starting the test.
- Cartridges should not be reused.
- Avoid contaminating blood, buffer, and marker fluid.
- The Gazelle reader should be placed on a flat and firm surface.
- Frozen samples should not be used. Read about the best electrolyte analyzers used in our hospitals.
Limitations when using Gazelle Hb Variant
- The test result for pre-term babies may be inaccurate.
- Hb A2/E/C is measured together. This makes it difficult to know if there is Hb A2/C/E.
- The Gazelle reader cannot test for thalassemia in children less than 6 months. Read on the iris urine analyzer.
Conclusion
The use Gazelle Hb variant has come to stay. It brings results in 8 minutes and this decreases turnaround time for patients. Another reason why more hospitals will resort to the use of the Gazelle Hb variant is the ability to quantify the types of hemoglobin. You can also read about the easylyte electrolyte analyzer.