The RESOLVE™ Neonatal Hemoglobin test kit is designed to separate whole blood, cord blood or dried blood spot specimens for detection of normal and variant hemoglobins by isoelectric focusing. Blood from a normal neonate is typically composed of approximately 70% Hb F, 20% Hb A, 9-10% acetylated F (Fac) and 0-1% Hb Bart's. As many of the hemoglobin variants are present in relatively low concentrations the gel may need to be stained with the o-dianisidine stain in the JB-2 Staining system (FR-9367) or the gel may be scanned by a densitometer e.g. IsoScan Imaging system.

Many testing programs evaluate and quantitate these hemoglobin types at birth in order to detect clinically significant hemoglobin variants as early as possible.

The clean separation of Hb F from Hb A permits differentiation of sickle cell anemia (Hb SS) from sickle cell trait (Hb AS). Also the separation of Hb S from Hb D or Hb G allows more precise determination of the variant.

The preparation and separation of hemoglobin is accomplished through the application of a hemoglobin sample onto a precast agarose gel containing RESOLVE Ampholytes, pH 6-8. RESOLVE Ampholytes are composed of low molecular weight amphoteric molecules with varying isoelectric points. When an electrical current is applied to the gel, these molecules migrate through the gel to their isoelectric points (pIs) along the gel, forming a stable pH gradient.

The hemoglobin variants also migrate through the gel until they reach the area where their individual pIs equal the corresponding pH of the gel. At this point, the net charges on the variants are zero and migration ceases. The electric field counteracts diffusion and the hemoglobin variant forms a discrete thin band. It is important to use hemoglobin markers when detecting variants.

All Revvity neonatal products may not be available in all countries.