The unstable hemoglobins are characterized by a focal amino acid mutation that permits hemoglobin denaturation under certain conditions (e.g., heat or oxidation), with the formation of Heinz bodies. There are several different abnormalities, and either the alpha or beta hemoglobin chain may be affected. Unstable hemoglobin variants are rare; the best known are Hb-Kцln, Hb-Zurich, […]