Diagnostic utility of isoelectric focusing and high performance liquid chromatography in neonatal cord blood screening for thalassemia and non-sickling hemoglobinopathies

IEF is an effective method in neonatal screening for thalassemia and non-sickling hemoglobinopathies. The HbBart's level, MCV and MCH are helpful for identifying α-thalassemia. The presence of HbA2 higher than 1% in cord blood indicates HbE carriers in Southeast Asian newborns.