Question 1

What is Hemoglobin SC Disease?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin SC Disease is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down prematurely. It is caused by inheriting one sickle cell gene (Hemoglobin S) from one parent and one hemoglobin C gene (Hemoglobin C) from the other parent. The Sickle Cell Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies both abnormal hemoglobin variants in the blood.

Question 2

What causes Hemoglobin SC Disease?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin SC Disease is caused by inheriting two abnormal hemoglobin genes—one sickle cell gene (Hemoglobin S) from one parent and one hemoglobin C gene (Hemoglobin C) from the other parent. This genetic combination creates a variant form of sickle cell disease where red blood cells contain both abnormal hemoglobin types. Unlike sickle cell anemia where two sickle cell genes are inherited, Hemoglobin SC Disease results from this specific pairing of different abnormal hemoglobin variants, affecting how red blood cells function and survive in the bloodstream.

Question 3

What is the best test for Hemoglobin SC Disease?

Accepted Answer

The Sickle Cell Test is the most important test for Hemoglobin SC Disease because it specifically identifies the presence of both abnormal hemoglobin variants—Hemoglobin S and Hemoglobin C—in your blood. This test uses specialized laboratory techniques like hemoglobin electrophoresis or high-performance liquid chromatography to separate and identify different types of hemoglobin proteins. When both Hemoglobin S and Hemoglobin C are detected together without normal Hemoglobin A, it confirms the diagnosis of Hemoglobin SC Disease. This definitive testing is essential because symptoms can vary widely between individuals, and accurate diagnosis guides appropriate medical management and monitoring for potential complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Hemoglobin SC Disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained episodes of severe pain (pain crises), persistent fatigue or anemia, frequent infections, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or if you have a family history of sickle cell disease or related hemoglobin disorders. Testing is especially important if both of your parents are known carriers of sickle cell trait or hemoglobin C trait, as this significantly increases your risk of having the condition. Early diagnosis through blood testing allows for proper medical management, helps prevent complications, and provides important information for family planning decisions.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Hemoglobin SC Disease?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Hemoglobin SC Disease include periodic episodes of severe pain (called pain crises or vaso-occlusive crises), chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin or nail beds, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), swelling of hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth in children, and vision problems. Many people with Hemoglobin SC Disease experience milder symptoms compared to sickle cell anemia, but the severity varies greatly between individuals. Some may have few noticeable symptoms while others experience significant complications affecting their daily life and requiring regular medical monitoring.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Hemoglobin SC Disease?

Accepted Answer

People with African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, Caribbean, or Central and South American ancestry are at higher risk for Hemoglobin SC Disease. You are at risk if one parent carries the sickle cell trait (Hemoglobin S) and the other parent carries the hemoglobin C trait, giving you a 25% chance of inheriting both abnormal genes. Family history is the strongest risk factor—if siblings or other close relatives have been diagnosed with any form of sickle cell disease or carry these hemoglobin traits, genetic testing is recommended. Unlike acquired conditions, Hemoglobin SC Disease is present from birth, though symptoms may not appear until later in childhood or early adulthood.

Question 7

What happens if Hemoglobin SC Disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If Hemoglobin SC Disease is left untreated or undiagnosed, it can lead to serious complications including stroke, acute chest syndrome (a life-threatening lung condition), organ damage especially to the spleen, kidneys, liver and heart, vision loss from retinal damage, severe anemia requiring blood transfusions, increased susceptibility to serious infections, pulmonary hypertension, avascular necrosis (bone death from poor blood supply), and leg ulcers that are slow to heal. Regular medical monitoring and proactive management significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis through blood testing allows healthcare providers to implement preventive strategies and intervene before complications become severe or irreversible.

Question 8

Can Hemoglobin SC Disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hemoglobin SC Disease can be definitively diagnosed with a blood test that analyzes the types of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. The primary diagnostic test uses specialized laboratory techniques such as hemoglobin electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, or high-performance liquid chromatography to separate and identify different hemoglobin variants. These methods detect the presence of both Hemoglobin S and Hemoglobin C while confirming the absence of normal Hemoglobin A. A complete blood count may also be performed to assess anemia and red blood cell characteristics. Blood testing is the only way to confirm this genetic condition, as symptoms alone cannot distinguish Hemoglobin SC Disease from other forms of sickle cell disease or blood disorders.

Question 9

How is Hemoglobin SC Disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin SC Disease is treated through comprehensive management including preventive care, symptom management, and complication prevention. Treatment includes staying well-hydrated, avoiding extreme temperatures and high altitudes, taking pain medications during pain crises, receiving prompt treatment for infections, getting regular eye exams to monitor for retinal damage, and taking penicillin or other antibiotics for infection prevention, especially in children. Some patients benefit from hydroxyurea medication to reduce pain episodes and complications, while blood transfusions may be necessary for severe anemia or to prevent stroke. Regular medical monitoring with a hematologist experienced in sickle cell disease is essential for optimal outcomes and quality of life.

Question 10

How can I prevent Hemoglobin SC Disease?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin SC Disease cannot be prevented in someone who has already inherited both abnormal genes, but genetic counseling and carrier testing before pregnancy can help prospective parents understand their risk of passing the condition to their children. If both parents carry sickle cell trait or hemoglobin C trait, genetic counseling can explain the 25% chance with each pregnancy of having a child with Hemoglobin SC Disease. Prenatal testing options including chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis can detect the condition during pregnancy. For individuals with Hemoglobin SC Disease, preventing complications involves staying hydrated, avoiding triggers like extreme temperatures and dehydration, getting recommended vaccinations, taking prescribed preventive medications, and maintaining regular medical checkups.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Hemoglobin SC Disease?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage Hemoglobin SC Disease by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep blood flowing smoothly, avoiding temperature extremes and dressing appropriately for weather, getting adequate rest and managing stress, eating a balanced diet rich in folate to support red blood cell production, avoiding high altitudes and activities that cause extreme physical exertion, and recognizing early signs of complications like fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing. Applying warm compresses and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage mild pain episodes at home, though severe pain requires medical attention. Building a support network of family, friends, and support groups helps with the emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition, and keeping all scheduled medical appointments ensures ongoing monitoring and prevention of serious complications.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Hemoglobin SC Disease Blood Test

What is Hemoglobin SC Disease?

What causes Hemoglobin SC Disease?

What is the best test for Hemoglobin SC Disease?

When should I get tested for Hemoglobin SC Disease?

References

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