fetal hemoglobin

noun

: a hemoglobin variant that predominates in the blood of a newborn and persists in increased proportions in some forms of anemia (such as thalassemia)

Examples of fetal hemoglobin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the 1990s, clinicians have observed that sickle cell patients with higher levels of fetal hemoglobin tend to live longer. —Charlotte Hu, Vox, 6 May 2024

The procedure can essentially be a cure for many, freeing people from sickle cell’s painful episodes and frequent blood transfusions—and the life-changing treatment is based on Orkin’s research identifying the genes that regulate fetal hemoglobin. —TIME, 2 May 2024

Scientists want to reactivate the effective fetal hemoglobin in adult blood cells. —Amber Dance, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024

Researchers had previously identified a certain genetic mutation that causes fetal hemoglobin to persist into adulthood. —Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 8 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fetal hemoglobin

noun

: hemoglobin that consists of two alpha chains and two gamma chains and that predominates in the blood of a newborn and persists in increased proportions in some forms of anemia (as thalassemia)

called also hemoglobin F