Written for Pharmacyexprezz & Pivate Clinic: Reviewed by Waheedat Owodeyi. Superintedent Pharmacist. General Pharmaceutical Council Registraion Number 2065550..
A genotype test in Norfolk (also called a haemoglobin electrophoresis test) looks at the types of haemoglobin in your blood. Many people request this test to understand their own health or when planning a family.
At Pharmacyexprezz in Great Yarmouth you can have a private genotype test with no GP referral required.
What is a Genotype Test?
Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Most people have the usual adult form, known as haemoglobin A. Some people also carry variant forms, such as haemoglobin S (associated with sickle cell) or haemoglobin C. A genotype test identifies which types of haemoglobin you have and reports the result as a combination of letters (for example AA, AS or SS).
The laboratory method most often used is haemoglobin electrophoresis (or a similar technique that separates and identifies the different haemoglobins present).
Understanding your genotype provides critical health insights for family planning and individual care.
1. Pre-Marital & Family Planning
If both partners carry certain variants, children could inherit conditions like sickle cell disease. Knowing genotypes helps you make informed choices.
2. Personal Health Knowledge
Discover if you carry the sickle cell trait or another variant—especially if it runs in your family or ethnic background.
3. Clarifying Results
Provides precise analysis if a previous routine blood test raised questions requiring targeted investigation.
Two copies of the usual haemoglobin A. This is the most common result.
AS
One usual haemoglobin A and one sickle haemoglobin S. Often called sickle cell trait or being a carrier. Most people with AS have no symptoms.
SS
Two copies of haemoglobin S. This is linked to sickle cell disease and needs specialist discussion and support.
AC / SC / other
Combinations involving haemoglobin C or other variants. Your clinician will explain what the specific result means for you.
Results should always be interpreted by a trained professional in the context of your personal and family history.
How is the Test Done?
A trained clinician takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
No special preparation (such as fasting) is usually required. Results are typically available within 48-72 hours.
At Pharmacyexprezz the current price for haemoglobin electrophoresis is £129 for the test plus a £30 phlebotomy fee (total £159 per person). Prices can change, so please confirm when booking. The sample-collection fee is charged once per visit even if several tests are taken at the same appointment.
Genotype Test in Norfolk at Pharmacyexprezz
Pharmacyexprezz provides private genotype (haemoglobin electrophoresis) testing in Great Yarmouth. You can book directly with no GP referral.
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book a private genotype test directly at Pharmacyexprezz.
Can both partners be tested on the same day?
Yes. Couples often attend together. The phlebotomy fee is charged once per person.
Is the test the same as a full genetic sequence?
No. It is a laboratory analysis of the types of haemoglobin present in the blood, not a full DNA sequence of the whole genome.
What if my result shows I am a carrier?
Most carriers (for example AS) remain healthy. The main importance is for family planning. Your clinician can explain the result and discuss any next steps.
