Fact Sheet: Hemoglobin C Trait

What is the hemoglobin C trait?  • Hemoglobin C trait is a condition that affects the red blood cells.  • Your red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of your body. People with normal hemoglobin have only one (1) type, hemoglobin A.  • People with hemoglobin C trait have hemoglobin A and hemoglobin C in their red blood cells. Hemoglobin C is not normal.  Who can have the hemoglobin C trait?  About one out of every 40 African-Americans has hemoglobin C trait. This trait affects mostly African-Americans and people who have African ancestors. It is possible for a person of any nationality to have a hemoglobin C trait.   Abstract source