OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the efficacy of the solubility test as a screening method for hemoglobin S detection in newborns compared to alkaline and acid hemoglobin electrophoresis . METHODS: a total of 1.988 cord blood samples from newborns at Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco (IMIP) during the period of October 1996 to March 1997 were submitted to alkaline hemoglobin electrophoresis and solubility test. Following this, acid hemoglobin electrophoresis was performed as a confirmatory test, when Hb S was present in the first two tests mentioned. RESULTS: Hb S was detected in 105 (5,3%) of the 1.988 samples by alkaline electrophoresis and were confirmed by acid electrophoresis in 98 (93,3%). Solubility test has detected Hb S in only one sample. CONCLUSIONS: alkaline hemoglobin electrophoresis has been effective for Hb S screening in newborn period and can be used in places where more sophisticated techniques are not available. Solubility test must not be used as a screening method in this period of life.
Hemoglobin; sickle; Neonatal screening; Hemoglobinopathies; Diagnosis
