The easiest way to find out if you have the trait is to be tested by a simple blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. This test is available in several hospitals, clinics, and in some university health centers. This test will tell if you are a carrier of the sickle cell trait or if you have the disease.
In most states, newborn babies are tested for sickle cell disease a few days after birth. This test involves taking a blood sample from the baby's heel. If the test shows that the baby might have sickle cell disease, the doctor will do the test again to confirm the results. The doctor may also ask one or both parents for blood samples to test.
Unborn babies can be tested for the disease by special prenatal tests. Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are two of these tests. These tests involve obtaining a small sample of the amniotic fluid (fluid in which the baby floats). These tests are preformed early in the pregnancy, and the cells obtained can be tested directly for the presence of the sickle hemoglobin gene. These tests allow parents to know their childs condition before the child is ever born. To learn more bout prenatal testing, click "prenatal testing" at the bottom of the page.
It is important for you and your partner to be tested if you are considering becoming pregnant. This allows you to know the chances of having a baby who is affected by the disease. If either you or your partner test positive for sickle hemoglobin (hemoglobin S) or another abnormal form of hemoglobin (responsible for other Sickle Cell diseases), it is imperative that you have genetic counseling to determine your risk of having a child with Sickle Cell disease.
It is important to test newborns for the disease. Symptoms |
