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What you should know about sickle cell trait

key information

source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

year: N/A

summary/abstract:

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is not a disease, but having it means that a person has inherited the sickle cell gene from one of his or her parents. People with SCT usually do not have any of the symptoms of sickle cell disease (SCD) and live a normal life. People who have inherited one sickle cell gene and one normal gene have SCT. This means the person won’t have the disease, but will be a trait “carrier” and can pass it on to his or her children.

The best way to find out if and how SCD runs in a person’s family is for the person to see a genetic counselor.  These professionals have experience with genetic blood disorders. The genetic counselor will look at the person’s family history and discuss with him or her what is known about SCD in the person’s family. It is best for a person with SCD to learn all he or she can about this disease before deciding to have children.

 

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