This test is ideal if you have a family history of sickle cell disease or blood disorders, are planning to have children, or belong to ethnic groups with higher risk (African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern descent). It helps detect abnormal hemoglobin types that can cause sickle cell disease or related conditions that affect how your red blood cells carry oxygen. Many people use this test for family planning decisions or to understand unexplained anemia symptoms.
What's included in this test?
This test screens for sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies by analyzing your hemoglobin types. If the initial screen detects any abnormalities, it automatically triggers a more comprehensive hemoglobinopathy evaluation to identify the specific type and severity of the condition. Together, these measurements help determine if you have sickle cell disease, are a carrier (trait), or have other inherited blood disorders that affect oxygen transport and red blood cell function.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether abnormal hemoglobin was detected and what that means for your health or family planning. These notes include personalized recommendations such as genetic counseling referrals, follow-up testing options, or lifestyle adjustments if you're a carrier. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your results over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful if monitoring treatment or planning for pregnancy.
When will I get my results?
Results are typically available within 3-5 business days after your sample reaches the lab. If the initial screen is positive and triggers the reflex hemoglobinopathy evaluation, it may take a few additional days for the complete analysis. You'll be notified as soon as your full results are ready to view online.
Who should consider this test?
This test is essential for anyone with a family history of sickle cell disease or blood disorders, couples planning to have children who want to know their carrier status, and individuals from high-risk ethnic backgrounds (African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Hispanic descent). It's also important if you're experiencing unexplained anemia, fatigue, or pain episodes that could indicate an undiagnosed hemoglobinopathy.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Symptoms that may suggest a hemoglobinopathy include chronic fatigue, unexplained anemia, frequent pain episodes, shortness of breath, delayed growth in children, or jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). You might also consider this test if you have recurrent infections, swelling in hands or feet, or vision problems. However, many carriers have no symptoms at all, which is why family history and ethnicity are important factors.
What is sickle cell trait and does it affect my health?
Sickle cell trait means you carry one copy of the sickle cell gene but don't have the disease itself. Most people with the trait live normal, healthy lives without symptoms. However, it's important to know your status for family planning, as two carriers can have a child with sickle cell disease, and in rare cases, extreme physical exertion or high altitudes can cause complications.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means abnormal hemoglobin was detected, which could indicate sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait (carrier), or another hemoglobinopathy. The reflex evaluation will identify the specific type and help determine if you have the disease or are a carrier. Your doctor notes will explain your specific results and whether you need genetic counseling, treatment, or monitoring.
How can I support my health if I have sickle cell trait?
If you're a carrier with sickle cell trait, stay well-hydrated especially during exercise, avoid extreme temperatures and high altitudes, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition. Regular check-ups and informing healthcare providers of your trait status before surgeries or intense physical activities is important. Consider genetic counseling if you're planning to have children, especially if your partner may also be a carrier.
Should my family members get tested too?
Yes, if you test positive for sickle cell trait or disease, your siblings, children, and parents should consider testing to understand their status. This is especially important for family planning decisions, as knowing carrier status helps assess the risk of passing the condition to children. Genetic counseling can help your family understand inheritance patterns and make informed decisions about testing and family planning.
How’s this work?
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
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
[email protected]. 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.
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.
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Demo results
Sickle Cell ScreenNegative
Demo results
NegativePositive
Negative
What this means
Your sickle cell screen came back negative, meaning no abnormal hemoglobin variants were detected in your blood. This is the expected and healthy result, indicating you do not have sickle cell disease or trait.
Recommended actions
Keep a record of your negative result for medical records and family planning
If planning pregnancy with a partner from high-risk backgrounds, ensure they get tested too
Maintain regular check-ups and inform healthcare providers of your screening history
Consider retesting if family history changes or new symptoms develop
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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Sickle Cell Test for Family Planning and Anemia Concerns