Why is a sickle cell test done?
A sickle cell test is done to help diagnose sickle cell disease.
A sickle cell test is also done to screen for sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. This test may be done for newborns and for people at high risk. Detecting sickle cell trait is important for couples who want to have children and who may be carriers of sickle cell trait.
How is a sickle cell test done?
Blood sample from a vein
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
Blood sample from a heel stick
A heel stick is used to get a blood sample from a baby. The baby's heel is poked, and several drops of blood are collected.
How do you prepare for a sickle cell test?
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had a blood transfusion in the past 4 months because it can interfere with the test results.
What do the results of a sickle cell test mean?
Normal:
- Normalhemoglobinis present.
Abnormal:
- Abnormal hemoglobin is present.
In babies, a sickle cell blood test may be repeated at 6 months old, or a genetic information (DNA) test may be done.
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