Comparative Study Between HEMOTYPE SC® and Capillary Electrophoresis (MINICAP®) in Hemoglobinopathy Screening in Blood Donors at Hôpital de la Paix, Ziguinchor, Senegal

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) and hemoglobinopathies are among the most prevalent genetic disorders in sub-Saharan Africa. Reliable screening is critical in blood donors to ensure transfusion safety. HEMOTYPE SC®, a rapid immunochromatographic test, has been proposed as a low-cost alternative to capillary electrophoresis for large-scale screening. Objective: This study aims to compare the performance of HEMOTYPE SC® with capillary electrophoresis (MINICAP®) for hemoglobinopathy detection in blood donors in Ziguinchor, Senegal. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Hôpital de la Paix, Ziguinchor, between January and April 2023, enrolling 398 blood donors. Hemoglobin profiles were first determined using HEMOTYPE SC®, followed by confirmation of all non-HbAA results via capillary electrophoresis (MINICAP®). Statistical concordance between the two methods was evaluated. Results: The mean age of donors was 25 years, and 68.3% were male. Blood group O was most prevalent (44.5%). HEMOTYPE SC® detected HbAA (87.9%), HbAS (10.8%), and HbAC (1.3%), with capillary electrophoresis confirming these profiles. Additionally, 7 hemoglobin variants undetected by HEMOTYPE SC® were identified by capillary electrophoresis, and 3 hemoglobins remained unidentified. Conclusion: HEMOTYPE SC® demonstrated high concordance with capillary electrophoresis for detecting common hemoglobin variants. However, capillary electrophoresis remains essential for quantifying hemoglobin fractions and identifying complex hemoglobinopathies.