What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms related to sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or another blood disorder that runs in your family. It's also useful if you've had a recent sickle cell crisis and want to see how your body responded, or if you have unexplained anemia symptoms like fatigue and paleness that haven't been explained by other testing.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of the normal range for fetal hemoglobin so you know exactly where your number falls. If your level is elevated, simple next steps include tracking how you feel during any future sickle cell episodes and considering a retest in a few months to watch for trends. A downloadable lab report is available anytime from your account, and you can use the trends feature to compare results over time. If your result is significantly abnormal or you're having severe symptoms like intense pain or breathing trouble, seek medical care right away.

Who should consider this test?

People with a personal or family history of sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, or other inherited blood conditions are good candidates for this test. It's also worth considering if you've recently had a sickle cell crisis and want to understand your body's response, or if a hereditary blood condition runs in your family and you want a baseline reading.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms like ongoing fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, or episodes of severe pain (common in sickle cell crises) may point to a need for this test. Unexplained anemia that hasn't responded to typical iron or vitamin treatments is another sign worth checking. If blood disorders run in your family, even mild or vague symptoms are worth investigating with this test.

How can I naturally support healthy blood cell function?

Staying well hydrated helps reduce the chance of sickle cell complications and supports overall blood flow. Eating iron-rich and folate-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, and lean meats supports healthy red blood cell production. Avoiding extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and intense physical stress can also help if you have a known blood condition, and regular gentle exercise supports circulation.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they'll be uploaded directly to your secure account where you can view and download them.

What is fetal hemoglobin and why does it matter?

Fetal hemoglobin is a type of hemoglobin that babies normally have before birth, and it usually drops to very low levels shortly after. In adults, having a higher-than-expected amount can be a sign of conditions like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or certain blood cancers, or it may be your body's natural response to a sickle cell crisis. Checking this level helps confirm what's happening inside your red blood cells.

What does a high fetal hemoglobin result mean?

A higher than normal result can mean your body increased fetal hemoglobin production in response to a sickle cell crisis, or it may point to an underlying condition like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or a bone marrow disorder. It's not something to self-diagnose from a number alone, so pairing this result with your symptoms and history matters. If your number is high and you're feeling unwell, seek medical care to figure out the cause.

What causes high fetal hemoglobin levels?

Common causes include sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, certain leukemias, and a benign inherited condition called hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. A recent sickle cell crisis can also temporarily trigger your body to produce more fetal hemoglobin as a protective response. Genetics play a big role, so family history is often a key clue.

How often should I retest?

If you have a known blood condition like sickle cell disease, retesting every few months or after a health event like a sickle cell crisis can help you track changes. If this is a first-time baseline test with no known condition, retesting isn't usually needed unless new symptoms show up. Talk through your specific retesting schedule based on your personal health history and any abnormal results.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Fetal Hemoglobin Test - Sickle Cell & Thalassemia Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Fetal Hemoglobin Test for Sickle Cell & Blood Disorders