Skip to content

Laboratory Medicine

Test Directory / Unstable Hb's

Unstable Hb's

EDTA

Test	Unstable Hb's
Common Abbreviations
Profile
Clinical Indication	unstable haemoglobins refers to both alpha and beta-chain. Haemoglobin variants that can cause clinically recognisable haemolysis.
Specimen Type	Blood
Sample Type	EDTA
Minimum Volume	1 x 3 mL (adult) 2 x 0.5 mL (paed) (can be shared with a FBC sample)
Special Precautions	Discuss with Haematology Lab prior to sample collection.
Stability	Fresh sample only
Turnaround Time	24 hours
Laboratory	York Hospital
Reference Interval
Limitations	None stated
Additional Information

Two receptionists on the phone at a reception desk.

Feedback

Translate language:View all languages >

Staff Benefits

Hull York Medical School

Y&S Hospitals Charity

Providing care together in York, Scarborough, Bridlington, Malton, Whitby, Selby and Easingwold communities

© 2026 York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Accessibility | Site map | Cookies policy

Website by See Green

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is registered, and therefore licensed to provide services, by the Care Quality Commission (Provider ID: 1-114394658). For more information, visit www.cqc.org.uk

Need to change or cancel your appointment?

You don’t always need to call us.

Cancel your appointment online: Use our quick online form: Cancel your appointment.
Change your appointment (with more than 5 days’ notice): Visit our Changing your appointment page for department-specific email addresses and direct telephone numbers.

If your appointment is within the next 5 days, please call the relevant department directly so we can help you as quickly as possible.