In a healthy person, red blood cells are a round, donut shape. In a person affected by Hb SS some of the red blood cells are a crescent or sickle shape. These abnormally shaped cells do not live as long as normal red blood cells and tend to get stuck in blood vessels where they can block the flow of blood to certain parts of the body.
If the condition is left untreated, it can cause a shortage of red blood cells anemia , organ damage, or even death. However, if Hb SS is identified and treated early in life, individuals often can lead healthier lives. Sickle cell anemia is more common in certain populations and ethnicities. It is most common in people of African descent. It affects one out of every African American infants. It is important to remember that an out-of-range screening result does not necessarily mean that your child has the condition.
An out-of-range result may occur because the initial blood sample was too small or the test was performed too early. However, a few babies do have the condition, so it is very important that you go to your follow-up appointment for a confirmatory test.
Because signs of Hb SS can develop shortly after birth, follow-up testing must be conducted as soon as possible to determine whether or not your baby has the condition.
If your baby has Hb SS, they will have a large number of red blood cells that are sickle or crescent shaped rather than donut-shaped. Clinical genetic testing for Hb SS is available and may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Signs of sickle cell anemia Hb SS usually begin a couple of months after birth. In some cases, signs may not appear until childhood. These signs can occur if your baby has a low number of red blood cells or if the sickle-shaped red blood cells stick together and block a blood vessel.
Dehydration occurs when an individual does not have enough fluid in their body. Babies with sickle cell anemia Hb SS need to make sure they get plenty of fluids because dehydration can increase the pain associated with Hb SS. Children with Hb SS may need pain medication. Pain associated with Hb SS can usually be managed through over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol. If your baby has Hb SS, they may develop repeated infections, especially during childhood.
You'll then have the option of being offered a diagnostic test to find out if your baby's affected. This helps the NHS sickle cell and thalassaemia screening programme improve screening services. Find out more by visiting GOV. Page last reviewed: 1 May Next review due: 1 May Home Pregnancy Your pregnancy care Back to Your pregnancy care. Screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia. Sickle cell disease SCD and thalassaemia are inherited blood disorders. About sickle cell and thalassaemia Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia affect haemoglobin, a part of the blood that carries oxygen around the body.
People with sickle cell: can have episodes of very severe pain can get serious life-threatening infections are usually anaemic their bodies have difficulty carrying oxygen Babies with sickle cell disease can receive early treatment, including vaccinations and antibiotics. Find out more about sickle cell disease People with thalassaemia are very anaemic and need a blood transfusion every 2 to 5 weeks, as well as injections and medicines throughout their lives.
Find out more about thalassaemia There are also other less common, and less serious, haemoglobin disorders that may be found through screening. Why could I be offered screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia early in pregnancy? Carriers are healthy and do not have the disease. All carriers can pass the unusual gene on to their children. When both parents are carriers When both parents are carriers, each time they're expecting a child there's: a 1 in 4 chance of the child not having or carrying the disease a 2 in 4 chance of the child being a carrier a 1 in 4 chance of the child having the disease Anyone can be a carrier of haemoglobin disease.
What does the screening test involve? Can this screening harm me or my baby? Do I have to have this screening test? No, you do not have to have the screening test. Getting your screening results The test will tell you if you're a carrier or not, or whether you have the disease yourself.
Further tests if the mother is a carrier Tests to see if the father is a carrier If the screening test finds that you're a carrier of a haemoglobin disease, your baby's father will also be offered a blood test. Find out more about screening for fathers Tests when both parents are carriers If tests show your baby's father is also a carrier, there's a 1 in 4 chance that your baby can have the disease. A diagnostic test will tell you: if your baby has sickle cell disease, thalassaemia or another haemoglobin disorder if your baby is a carrier if your baby is completely unaffected If the baby's father is not available and you have been identified as a carrier, you'll be offered a diagnostic test.
There are 2 types of diagnostic test. Chorionic villus sampling CVS This is usually performed from 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. The cells from the tissue can be tested for sickle cell or thalassaemia.
Find out more about amniocentesis If you find out your baby has sickle cell disease or thalassaemia If the result shows your baby has sickle cell disease or thalassaemia, you'll be offered an appointment with a health professional.
Find out more about if antenatal screening tests find something What if I decide not to have screening? A sickle cell lab test checks for the presence of sickle cell anemia in the blood.
Why is a sickle cell blood test important? The sickle cell test screens for sickle cell disease and is often required by NCAA. What type of specimen will I submit? Do I need to fast to take this test? How long does it take to get test results? Even so, your body might reject the transplant, leading to life-threatening complications. Taking the following steps to stay healthy may help you avoid complications of sickle cell anemia:. Sickle cell anemia is usually diagnosed through genetic screening done when a baby is born.
Those test results will likely be given to your family doctor or pediatrician. He or she will likely refer you to a doctor who specializes in blood disorders hematologist or a pediatric hematologist.
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Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis A blood test can check for the defective form of hemoglobin that underlies sickle cell anemia. More Information Blood transfusion Bone marrow transplant. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Field JJ , et al. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease.
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