Reproducibility over time and effect of low-dose aspirin on soluble P-selectin and soluble CD40 ligand.

Platelet markers [soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and soluble p selectin (sPselectin)] are associated with platelet activation and cardiovascular events. We sought to investigate the reproducibility of these markers over time and the effect of low-dose aspirin on sCD40L and sPselectin in plasma and serum. Following an overnight fast, 40 healthy volunteers had weekly phlebotomy and were administered aspirin 81 mg/day between weeks 3 and 4. Reproducibility over time was assessed by coefficient of variation (CV) and inter-class correlation coefficient. Correlation between markers was assessed using Pearson r statistic. Difference between levels pre- and post-aspirin was measured with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). sCD40L and sPselectin measurements were reproducible over time in plasma and serum (CV < 10 %). Measurement of sCD40L and sPselectin in plasma correlated with levels in serum before aspirin and after aspirin. There was no significant correlation between sCD40L and sPselectin. After 1-week of aspirin 81 mg/day, there was a reduction in sCD40L and sPselectin in serum and plasma, respectively. Soluble CD40L and sPselectin are independent markers that are reproducible over time in both plasma and sera and are reduced by 1-week of low-dose aspirin.

Platelet aggregation and coagulation factors in orthopedic surgery.

Hemostasis is a major concern during the perioperative period. Changes in platelet aggregation and coagulation factors may contribute to the delicate balance between thrombosis and bleeding. We sought to better understand perioperative hemostasis by investigating the changes in platelet aggregation and coagulation factors during the perioperative period. We performed a prospective cohort analysis of 70 subjects undergoing non-emergent orthopedic surgery of the knee (n = 28), hip (n = 35), or spine (n = 7) between August 2011 and November 2011. Plasma was collected preoperatively (T1), 1-h intraoperatively (T2), 1-h (T3), 24-h (T4) and 48-h (T5) postoperatively. Platelet function testing was performed using whole blood impedance aggregometry. Coagulation assays were performed for factor VII, factor VIII, von Willebrand Factor (vWF), and fibrinogen. Of the 70 patients, mean age was 64.1 ± 9.8 years, 61% were female, and 74% were Caucasian. Platelet activity decreased until 1 h postoperatively and then significantly increased above baseline at 24- and 48-h postoperatively. Compared to baseline, coagulation factors decreased intraoperatively. Factor VII activity continued to decrease, while FVIII, vWF, and fibrinogen all increased above baseline postoperatively. The results of our study indicate significant changes in platelet activity and coagulation factors during the perioperative period. Both platelet activity and markers of coagulation decrease during the intraoperative period and then some increase postoperatively. These changes may contribute to the hypercoagulabity and/or bleeding risk that occurs in the perioperative period. Future prospective studies aimed at correlating hemostatic changes with perioperative outcomes are warranted.

Mean platelet volume reproducibility and association with platelet activity and anti-platelet therapy.

Some studies suggest that mean platelet volume (MPV) correlates with increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aim to assess reproducibility, need for standardized measurements, effect of aspirin, and association with other established markers of platelet activity. Following an overnight fast, 48 healthy volunteers had weekly assessment of platelet activity and were administered aspirin 81 mg daily for 7 d between weeks 3 and 4. We investigated the influence of time between phlebotomy and MPV measurement (n=10). Reproducibility was assessed by coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). MPV measurements were reproducible (Week 1: 10.6 fL [9.9-11], Week 2: 10.6 fL [10.0-10.9], Week 3: 10.6 fL [9.8-11]). CV was ≤ 4% and ICC>0.85 (p<0.001) for each comparison, indicating excellent reproducibility. There was no effect of aspirin on MPV (10.6 fL [9.8-11] versus 10.5 fL [9.9-11]; p=0.81). MPV significantly increased as time between phlebotomy and MPV measurement increased (Spearman's rho=0.94, p=0.001). Increasing MPV tertiles was associated with collagen- and thrombin receptor-activated peptide-induced platelet aggregation but not with ADP- or arachidonic acid-induced or spontaneous platelet aggregation. In conclusion, when standardized, MPV is a reproducible marker of platelet size and not affected by low-dose aspirin. MPV is modestly associated with some, but not all, markers of platelet activity.

Predicting Pulmonary Embolism in Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients A Pilot Study.

Postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and costly complication following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Development of a refined thrombophilic screening panel will better equip clinicians to identify patients at high-est risk for developing VTEs. In this pilot study, 62 high-risk TJA recipients who had developed pulmonary emboli (PE) within 90-days of surgery were eligible to participate. Of these patients, 14 were enrolled and subsequently adminis-tered a pre-determined panel of 18 hematologic tests with the aim of identifying markers that are consistently elevated or deficient in patients developing PE. A separate cohort of seven high-risk TJA recipients who did not report a symp-tomatic VTE within 90-days of surgery were then enrolled and Factor VIII and lipoprotein(a) levels were assessed. The most common aberrance was noted in 10 patients (71.4%) who had elevated levels of Factor VIII followed by five patients (35.7%) who had elevated levels of lipoprotein(a). Factor VIII was significantly prevalent (p < 0.001) while lipoprotein(a) failed to achieve statistical significance (p = 0.0708). Of the patients who were within normal limits of Factor VIII, three-fourths were "high-normal" with Fac-tor VIII levels within 5% of the upper limit of normal. This study demonstrates the potential utility of this hematologic panel as part of a perioperative screening protocol aimed at identifying patients at risk for developing VTEs. However, future larger scale studies assessing the capabilities and limitations of our findings are warranted.

Hemophilia A: Emicizumab monitoring and impact on coagulation testing.

Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder characterized by absent or ineffective coagulation factor VIII, a condition that could result in a severe and potentially life-threatening bleed. Although the current standard of care involves prophylactic replacement therapy of factor VIII, the development of neutralizing anti-factor VIII alloantibody inhibitors often complicates such therapeutic treatment. Emicizumab (Hemlibra®), a novel recombinant therapeutic agent for patients with hemophilia A, is a humanized asymmetric bispecific IgG4 monoclonal antibody designed to mimic activated factor VIII by bridging factor IXa and factor X thus effecting hemostasis. Importantly, this drug eliminates the need for factor VIII and complications associated with inhibitor generation. Emicizumab has been approved for use in several countries including the United States and Japan for prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in hemophilia A with and without FVIII inhibitors. Therapy is also approved in the European Union for routine prophylaxis of bleeds in hemophilia A with inhibitors or severe hemophilia A without inhibitors. Unfortunately, emicizumab therapy presents unique challenges for routine and specialty coagulation tests currently used to monitor hemophilia A. In this review, hemophilia A is presented, the biochemistry of factor VIII is discussed, and the impact of the therapeutic agent emicizumab is highlighted.

Dissolution of arterial platelet thrombi in vivo with a bifunctional platelet GPIIIa49-66 ligand which specifically targets the platelet thrombus.

Patients with HIV-1 immune-related thrombocytopenia have a unique antibody (Ab) against integrin GPIIIa49-66 capable of inducing oxidative platelet fragmentation via Ab activation of platelet nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and 12-lipoxygenase releasing reactive oxygen species. Using a phage display single-chain antibody (scFv) library, we developed a novel human monoclonal scFv Ab against GPIIIa49-66 (named A11) capable of inducing fragmentation of activated platelets. In this study, we investigated the in vivo use of A11. We show that A11 does not induce significant thrombocytopenia or inhibit platelet function. A11 can prevent the cessation of carotid artery flow produced by induced artery injury and dissolve the induced thrombus 2 hours after cessation of blood flow. In addition, A11 can prevent, as well as ameliorate, murine middle cerebral artery stroke, without thrombocytopenia or brain hemorrhage. To further optimize the antithrombotic activity of A11, we produced a bifunctional A11-plasminogen first kringle agent (SLK), which homes to newly deposited fibrin strands within and surrounding the platelet thrombus, reducing effects on nonactivated circulating platelets. Indeed, SLK is able to completely reopen occluded carotid vessels 4 hours after cessation of blood flow, whereas A11 had no effect at 4 hours. Thus, a new antithrombotic agent was developed for platelet thrombus clearance.

Role of molecular mimicry of hepatitis C virus protein with platelet GPIIIa in hepatitis C-related immunologic thrombocytopenia.

Patients with HIV-1 immune-related thrombocytopenia (HIV-1-ITP) have a unique Ab against platelet GPIIIa49-66 capable of inducing oxidative platelet fragmentation in the absence of complement. HIV-1-seropositive drug abusers are more prone to develop immune thrombocytopenia than non-drug abusers and have a higher coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) than non-drug abusers (90% vs 30%). Molecular mimicry was sought by screening a phage peptide library with anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibody as bait for peptides sharing homology sequences with HCV. Several phage peptide clones had 70% homology with HCV protein. Sera from dually infected thrombocytopenic patients with HCV and HIV-ITP reacted strongly with 4 nonconserved peptides from HCV core envelope 1. Reactivity correlated inversely with platelet count (r(2) = 0.7, P < .01). Ab raised against peptide PHC09 in GPIIIa(-/-) mice induced thrombocytopenia in wild-type mice. Affinity-purified IgG against PHC09 induced oxidative platelet fragmentation in vitro. Drug abusers dually infected with HCV and HIV-1 had a greater incidence and severity of thrombocytopenia as well as titer of anti-GPIIIa49-66/PHC09 Ab. NZB/W F1 mice injected with recombinant core envelope 1 developed Ab versus PHC09 and significantly decreased their platelet count (P < .001). Thus, HCV core envelope 1 can induce thrombocytopenia by molecular mimicry with GPIIIa49-66.

C-terminal ADAMTS-18 fragment induces oxidative platelet fragmentation, dissolves platelet aggregates, and protects against carotid artery occlusion and cerebral stroke.

Anti-platelet integrin GPIIIa49-66 antibody (Ab) induces complement-independent platelet oxidative fragmentation and death by generation of platelet peroxide following NADPH oxidase activation. A C-terminal 385-amino acid fragment of ADAMTS-18 (a disintegrin metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs produced in endothelial cells) induces oxidative platelet fragmentation in an identical kinetic fashion as anti-GPIIIa49-66 Ab. Endothelial cell ADAMTS-18 secretion is enhanced by thrombin and activated by thrombin cleavage to fragment platelets. Platelet aggregates produced ex vivo with ADP or collagen and fibrinogen are destroyed by the C-terminal ADAMTS-18 fragment. Anti-ADAMTS-18 Ab shortens the tail vein bleeding time. The C-terminal fragment protects against FeCI3-induced carotid artery thrombosis as well as cerebral infarction in a postischemic stroke model. Thus, a new mechanism is proposed for platelet thrombus clearance, via platelet oxidative fragmentation induced by thrombin cleavage of ADAMTS-18.

A new α1-globin mutation, Hb Brugg [α20(B1)His→Gln].

A 2½-year-old male child and a 23-year-old woman with no clinical symptoms were investigated during routine consultations. Cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed an additional peak eluting before Hb A. DNA sequencing showed a novel heterozygous mutation at codon 20 of the α1-globin gene. The hemoglobin (Hb) variant was named Hb Brugg. Analysis of oxygen affinity Hb and Hb stability did not show any changes compared to normal Hb constellation.

Aspirin attenuates platelet activation and immune activation in HIV-1-infected subjects on antiretroviral therapy: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms for increased cardiovascular risk in HIV-1-infected adults are incompletely understood, but platelet activation and immune activation leading to a prothrombotic state have been proposed as significant contributors. Aspirin has antiplatelet and immunomodulatory properties. We explored whether 1 week of low-dose aspirin attenuates platelet activation and immune activation in HIV-1-infected and virologically suppressed adults on antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: Platelet activation and immune activation were measured in HIV-1-infected subjects virologically suppressed on antiretroviral therapy and controls before and after 1 week of low-dose aspirin. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects, HIV-1-infected subjects had increased platelet activation, as measured by spontaneous platelet aggregation and aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate, collagen, and arachidonic acid. After aspirin therapy, percent aggregation decreased similarly in both HIV-1-infected and control subjects to all platelet agonists tested except aggregation in response to arachidonic acid, which remained elevated in the HIV-1-infected group. HIV-1-infected subjects exhibited increased markers of T-cell activation (CD38 and HLA-DR) and monocyte activation (sCD14), which decreased after 1 week of aspirin therapy. Moreover, leukocyte responses to Toll-like receptor stimulation were enhanced after 1 week of aspirin therapy. In vitro studies showed that HIV-1 plasma could activate healthy platelets, which in turn activated monocytes, implicating a direct role for activated platelets in immune activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that heightened platelet activation and immune activation in treated HIV-1 disease are attenuated by 1 week of aspirin therapy. Aspirin should be further studied for its antithrombotic and immunomodulatory benefits in treated HIV-1 disease.

The inhibition effect of anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibody on megakaryocyte differentiation.

We previously reported that patients with early-onset HIV-1 ITP developed a unique anti-platelet integrin GPIIIa antibody against the GPIIIa49-66 epitope. Anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibody-induced platelet fragmentation requires sequential activation of the platelet 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) and NADPH oxidase to release reactive oxygen species (ROS). 12-LO is upstream of the NADPH oxidase pathway and 12(S)-HETE, the product of 12-LO, induces the same oxidative platelet fragmentation as anti-GPIIIa49-66. Since the megakaryocyte (MK) is the progenitor cell for platelets, we have investigated the effect of anti-GPIIIa49-66 on MK differentiation and, in particular, the potential role of anti-GPIIIa49-66 induced ROS in this process. We first show that polyclonal anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibody isolated from HIV-1 ITP patients inhibits MK proliferation 2.5-fold in in vitro culture of human cord blood CD34+ cells driven by thrombopoietin (TPO). We also observe a three-fold decrease in the number of MK colony-forming units in the presence of a human monoclonal anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibody. However, we could not detect ROS release in DCFH-loaded mouse megakaryoblastic cells L8057 treated with anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibody. In addition, 12(S)-HETE does not inhibit the in vitro differentiation of L8057 cells induced by TPO. In fact, we found a dose dependent increase in the percentage of CD41 positive cells (from 17.1% to 48.7%) in in vitro culture of L8057 cells treated with various concentrations of H2O2 (from 5 to 20 µM). We therefore conclude that the anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibody inhibits MK differentiation through ß3 integrin signalling independent of ROS release.

Specific cross-reaction of anti-dsDNA antibody with platelet integrin GPIIIa49-66.

Anti-platelet autoantibodies are frequently found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and contribute to the development of SLE-associated immunologic thrombocytopenia (SLE-ITP). Although the correlation of anti-dsDNA autoantibody with platelet-associated antibody has been reported, the potential mechanism underlying such a correlation is incompletely understood. We have reported that anti-platelet integrin GPIIIa49-66 (CAPESIEFPVSEARVLED) autoantibodies play a major role in the development of HIV-1-related thrombocytopenia (HIV-1-ITP). The strong negative charge of GPIIIa49-66 prompts us to investigate whether GPIIIa49-66 can be an epitope mimicking dsDNA. We report here that anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibodies are found in three out of nine SLE-ITP patients. Double-stranded (ds) DNA competitively inhibited the binding of purified patient anti-dsDNA antibodies to GPIIIa49-66 peptide. Both polyclonal and monoclonal anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibodies are able to cross-react with dsDNA. Consistent with previous reports, the DNA binding activities of anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibodies are mainly dependent on the positively charged amino acid in the heavy-chain complementarity-determining region 3 (HCDR3). The HCDR3 of human SLE anti-dsDNA monoclonal antibody (mAb) 412.67 demonstrates a similar positively charged amino acid chain orientation compared with that of anti-GPIIIa49-66 mAb A11, and it cross-reacts with GPIIIa49-66 peptide. Purified anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibodies from SLE-ITP patients are able to induce platelet fragmentation in vitro and to induce thrombocytopenia in vivo. Thus, our data suggest that specific epitope cross-reaction between GPIIIa49-66 and dsDNA could be a mechanism involved in the development of SLE-associated thrombocytopenia.

Clinical and molecular genetic analysis of a family with macrothrombocytopenia and early onset sensorineural hearing loss.

A kindred with inherited macrothrombocytopenia (MTCP) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) from Ghent, Belgium was identified. Currently, joint expression of MTCP and hearing loss are linked to mutations within MYH9 only. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that a mutation within MYH9 is responsible for the autosomal dominant inheritance of MTCP and hearing loss in the Ghent family. A mutation screen of MYH9 coding region including its intron-exon junctions, as well as common hearing loss genes GJB2, GJB3, and GJB6, was performed. However, no pathogenic sequence alteration was identified. Patients' leukocytes were determined to be normal for NMMHC-A distribution via immunofluorescence analysis and free of Döhle body-like inclusions, identified as aggregates of mutant NMHC-IIA in MYH9 disorders. Also, western blot analysis with anti-NMHC-IIA antibody identified a single 220 kDa immunoreactive band with normal expression level of NMHC-IIA within the platelets and leukocytes of the affected family members. The immunoblot analysis eliminates the possibility of a large deletion within MYH9 that can escape detection by direct sequencing. Collectively, these results suggest that molecular genetic etiology of the Ghent family disorder may be due to as yet unidentified gene whose mutation(s) yields a phenocopy of the MYH9-related disease.

Platelet fragmentation requires a specific structural conformation of human monoclonal antibody against beta3 integrin.

We have described an autoantibody against beta3 (GPIIIa49-66), a region of platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3 that is unique. It induces platelet fragmentation in the absence of complement via antibody activation of platelet NADPH oxidase and 12-lipoxygenase to release reactive oxygen species, which destroy platelets. To study the mechanism of anti-GPIIIa antibody-induced platelet fragmentation, we screened a human single chain Fv antibody library with the GPIIIa49-66 peptide. Nine monoclonal antibodies were identified that were capable of binding to GPIIIa49-66. Surprisingly, binding avidity for GPIIIa49-66 did not correlate with activity of induction of platelet fragmentation. We therefore investigated the requirements for platelet fragmentation. Mutations were introduced into the heavy chain complementary-determining region-3 of clones 11, 43, and 54 by site-directed mutagenesis. The capability of these clones to induce platelet fragmentation or bind to GPIIIa49-66 subsequently changed. Molecular modeling of these clones with their mutants revealed that the ability to induce platelet fragmentation is affected by the side chain orientation of positively charged amino acids in the heavy chain of residues 99-102. Thus, a structural change in the conformation of anti-GPIIIa49-66 antibody contributes to its binding to the beta3 integrin and subsequent antibody-induced platelet fragmentation and aggregate dissolution.

Platelet particle formation by anti GPIIIa49-66 Ab, Ca2+ ionophore A23187, and phorbol myristate acetate is induced by reactive oxygen species and inhibited by dexamethasone blockade of platelet phospholipase A2, 12-lipoxygenase, and NADPH oxidase.

An HIV antibody (Ab) against platelet integrin GPIIIa49-66 induces complement-independent platelet particle formation by the elaboration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) downstream of the activation of the platelet NADPH oxidase by the 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) product 12(S)-HETE. To determine whether other inducers of platelet particle formation also function via the induction of ROS, we examined the effects of the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Both agents induced oxidative platelet particle formation in an identical fashion as Ab, requiring Ca(2+) flux and 12(S)-HETE production as well as intact NADPH oxidase and 12-LO pathways. Since HIV-ITP patients with this Ab correct their platelet counts with dexamethasone (Dex), we examined the role of this steroid in this unique autoimmune disorder. Dex at therapeutic concentrations inhibited Ab-, A23187-, or PMA-induced platelet particle formation by inhibiting platelet PLA(2), 12-LO, and NADPH oxidase. The operational requirement of translocation of PLA(2), 12-LO, and NADPH oxidase components (p67 phox) from cytosol to membrane for induction of ROS was both inhibited and partially reversed by Dex in platelets. We conclude that (1) platelet particle formation can be induced by the generation of ROS; and (2) platelet PLA(2), 12-LO, NADPH oxidase, and cytosol membrane translocation, requirements for ROS production, are inhibited by Dex.

Role of molecular mimicry to HIV-1 peptides in HIV-1-related immunologic thrombocytopenia.

Patients with early HIV-1 infection develop an autoimmune thrombocytopenia in which antibody is directed against an immunodominant epitope of the beta3 (glycoprotein IIIa [GPIIIa]) integrin, GPIIIa49-66. This antibody induces thrombocytopenia by a novel complement-independent mechanism in which platelets are fragmented by antibody-induced generation of H2O2 derived from the interaction of platelet nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and 12-lipoxygenase. To examine whether sharing of epitope between host and parasite may be responsible for this immunodominant epitope, we screened for antibody-reactive peptides capable of inhibiting platelet lysis and oxidation in vitro, using a filamentous phage display 7-mer peptide library. Fourteen of these phage-peptide clones were identified. Five shared close sequence similarity with GPIIIa49-66, as expected. Ten were molecular mimics with close sequence similarity to HIV-1 proteins nef, gag, env, and pol. Seven were synthesized as 10-mers from their known HIV-1 sequence and found to inhibit anti-GPIIIa49-66-induced platelet oxidation/fragmentation in vitro. Three rabbit antibodies raised against these peptides induced platelet oxidation/fragmentation in vitro and thrombocytopenia in vivo when passively transferred into mice. One of the peptides shared a known epitope region with HIV-1 protein nef and was derived from a variant region of the protein. These data provide strong support for molecular mimicry in HIV-1-immunologic thrombocytopenia within polymorphic regions of HIV-1 proteins. A known epitope of nef is particularly incriminated.

HPLC retention time as a diagnostic tool for hemoglobin variants and hemoglobinopathies: a study of 60000 samples in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.

BACKGROUND: Previous evaluations of HPLC as a tool for detection of hemoglobin variants have done so within newborn-screening programs and/or by use of stored samples. We describe a 32-month prospective study in a clinical diagnostic laboratory in which we evaluated the imprecision of HPLC retention times and determined the retention times for hemoglobin variants seen in a multiethnic setting. METHODS: We analyzed all samples on the Bio-Rad Variant II HPLC system. For normal hemoglobin fractions and hemoglobin variants, we recorded and analyzed their retention times, their proportion of the total hemoglobin (%), and the peak characteristics. We compared the imprecision of retention time with the imprecision of retention time normalized to the retention time of hemoglobin A0 (Hb A0) and to the retention time of Hb A2. Alkaline and acid hemoglobin electrophoresis, and in certain cases globin chain electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and DNA analysis, were performed to document the identities of the hemoglobin variants. RESULTS: The mean (SD) imprecision (CV) of the retention time was 1.0 (0.7)% with no statistical difference compared with the imprecision for normalized retention times. Among 60,293 samples tested, we encountered 34 unique hemoglobin variants and 2 tetramers. Eighteen variants and 2 tetramers could be identified solely by retention time and 3 variants by retention time and proportion of total hemoglobin. Four variants could be identified by retention time and peak characteristics and eight variants by retention time and electrophoretic mobility. One variant (Hb New York) was missed on HPLC. Retention time on HPLC was superior to electrophoresis for the differentiation and identification of six members of the Hb J family, four members of the Hb D family, and three variants with electrophoretic mobilities identical or similar to that of Hb C. Six variants with electrophoretic mobilities identical or similar to that of Hb S could be differentiated and identified by retention time and proportion of total hemoglobin. HPLC detected two variants (Hb Ty Gard and Hb Twin Peaks) missed on electrophoresis. CONCLUSIONS: The retention time on HPLC is reliable, reproducible, and in many cases superior to conventional hemoglobin electrophoresis for the detection and identification of hemoglobin variants. Confirmatory testing by electrophoresis can be eliminated in the majority of cases by use of retention time, proportion of total hemoglobin, and peak characteristics of HPLC.