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The sickle cell blood test looks for the abnormal hemoglobin in the blood that causes the disorder sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background. Individuals with this disease produce unusually shaped red blood cells which can cause problems because these blood cells do not live as long as healthy blood cells, and can block blood vessels. It is a serious and lifelong health condition.

Sickle cells disease is often detected during pregnancy or soon after birth. In the UK screening for this disease is offered to pregnant women if there is a risk of the child being born with the condition. Babies are offered screening through the newborn bloodspot test (heel prick test) when they are born. People from certain ethnic backgrounds are at a higher risk of being carriers of sickle cell disease and of having it.

What causes Sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell is caused by a gene which affects how red blood cells develop. If both prospective parents have the gene, if the are both carriers of the disease, then there is a 1 in 4 chance of each child they have being born with this disease. The child’s parents often will not have sickle themselves and are only carriers of the sickle cell trait.

Symptoms of sickle cell disease

The symptoms of SCD can vary in severity and can affect different parts of the body. Common symptoms include:

· Episodes of severe pain caused by blocked blood flow

· Anaemia

· Swelling, particularly in hands and feet

· Frequent infections

· Delayed growth in children with SCD

· Vision problems due to blocked blood flow damaging the retina

Treatment of sickle cell disease

Individuals with SCD need treatment throughout their lives. It is important for people with the disease to look after their own health using self-care measures, such as avoiding triggers and managing pain.

Some treatment measures include:

· Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, sometimes stronger ones are prescribed

· Daily antibiotics and regular vaccinations

· Regular blood transfusions

· A medication called Hydroxycarbamide

The only cure for SCD is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, however, these procedures are not performed often due to the risks involved. (NHS, 2022)

Can you pass sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait to your children?

The risk of passing sickle cell disease depend on an individual and their partner. If both parents have it, their baby will have this disease.

If an individual or their partner carry sickle cell trait (gene), there’s a:

· 3-in-4 chance (75 percent) that their baby won’t have sickle cell

· 1-in-2 chance (50 percent) that their baby will have sickle cell trait

· 1-in-4 chance (25 percent) that their baby will have sickle cell

· 1-in-4 chance (25 percent) that their baby won’t have sickle cell or sickle cell trait

The risk of having sickle cell and sickle cell trait is more common I people from certain ethnic backgrounds. In the UK, most people who carry the sickle cell trait are of African or Caribbean background. · About 1 in 13 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell trait.

· About 1 in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell.

Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell.

Screening for Sickle cell disease blood test

As per guidance from GOVUK and NHS England, Sickle cell disease (SCD) screening is offered to: · pregnant women · fathers where antenatal screening shows the mother is a genetic carrier

SCD screening is offered to all pregnant women in high prevalence areas. This is done using a simple blood test. In low prevalence areas, the family origin questionnaire (FOQ) is used to determine if a person is likely to be a carrier for SCD or other haemoglobin disorder.

All pregnant women are offered screening for thalassaemia. All biological fathers are offered screening if the pregnant woman is a genetic carrier for sickle cell disease or thalassaemia. Please visit the Fusion Healthcare for  Sickle cell blood test blog for more information There are special circumstances where additional investigations may be required.

Testing for sickle cell disease

Individuals often have a blood test to determine whether or not they have sickle cell or sickle cell trait. The blood test is often offered as part of prenatal care, however, may not be offered if healthcare providers do not believe the individual to be at high risk.

The test can be performed privately to provide some peace of mind if parents would like to get tested prior to planning a family.

Fusion healthcare offers a private Sickle cell  Blood Test to help parents make informed decisions about their future and know more about their baby’s health. We recommend this test for individuals who are at a higher risk of being carriers, are planning on having a family, or just want peace of mind. This blood test cost £145

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