A densitometer trace of the hemoglobin electrophoresis gel is made to quantify the bands present. The image displayed below is a normal gel and its corresponding tracing.
Hemoglobin A is 98%, and A2 is 1.5%. Notice that hemoglobin F is usually present in small enough amounts that its tracing may blend into that of hemoglobin A. A separate procedure may need to be performed if quantitation of hemoglobin F is essential.
