Trusted Resources: Evidence & Education
Scientific literature and patient education texts
Sickle Cell Test
source: Healthwise
year: 2017
summary/abstract:A sickle cell test is a blood test done to check for sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease that causes red blood cells to be deformed (sickle-shaped). The red blood cells deform because they contain an abnormal type of hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S, instead of the normal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin A.
Sickled blood cells are destroyed by the body faster than normal blood cells. This causes anemia. Also, sickled cells can get trapped in blood vessels and reduce or block blood flow. This can damage organs, muscles, and bones and may lead to life-threatening conditions.
The best way to check for sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease is to look at the blood using a method called high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This test identifies which type of hemoglobin is present. To confirm the results of HPLC, a genetic test may be done.
read moreRelated Content
-
Hydroxyurea Therapy Prevents High Risk Trans-Cranial Doppler Development in Children with Sickle Cell DisordersAnnual evaluation by Trans-Cranial Doppl...
-
TCD with Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH): Hydroxyurea Therapy As an Alternative to Transfusions for Pr...Transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening in ...
-
Sickle Options Video Libraryhttp://sickleoptions.org/en_US/video-lib...
-
Healthcare advocates aim to better inform community on sickle cell realitiesOne in 2,400 are born with sickle cell d...
-
IASCNAPA Sickle Cell Disease Conference: Treating the Whole PersonDate: April 14-15, 2021 Place: Online/V...
-
P.O.W.E.R ECHO Project Community Health Worker (CHW) Training – 3/21/24Cost: Free Monthly sessions 12–1 p.m...
-
Small chips, big impact: MSU researcher studies cardiovascular, sickle cell diseaseA Mississippi State University researche...
To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.