The present disclosure in some aspects relates to hemoglobin (including various hemoglobin variants) polypeptides. In some aspects, the present disclosure further relates to hemoglobin antibodies, including camelid antibodies that specifically bind to hemoglobin, and antibody fragments. The disclosure further relates to methods of detecting an analyte in a sample using a camelid antibody, such as a camelid VHH antibody or fragments thereof. In one aspect, provided herein is a technology platform for isolating highly specific antibodies and applying these antibodies in an immunoassay, such as a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA). In some aspects, this technology is used to develop hemoglobin variant specific antibodies and to produce LFIA devices for rapid and early diagnosis of a disease.
