Improved screening test for abnormal hemoglobins from dried blood samples

Summary A method is described wherin blood samples taken from adults or newborns and dried on filter paper can be used for hemoglobin analysis within 2 years after sampling. The samples are eluted in 8 M urea in the presence of 5% 2-mercaptoethanol and 2% of the neutral detergent Nonidet P-40. Then the individual , , , and chains are separated by means of electrofocusing in 8 M urea-PAA gels. Up to 96 samples can be applied to a gel using multiple syringes. Several hundred samples can be analyzed daily by one person. This method may be especially useful for preventive programs against sickle cell anemia as well as for human mutation monitoring systems.Abbreviations used in this paper PAA polyacrylamide - PAG polyacrylamide gel - TCA trichloroacetic acid - PKU phenylketonuria