Question 1

What is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped instead of flexible and round. It is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene that produces abnormal hemoglobin S, which distorts red blood cell shape and blocks blood flow. The Sickle Cell Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects the presence of hemoglobin S in the blood.

Question 2

What causes sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia is caused by a genetic mutation in the HBB gene that produces abnormal hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. This mutation is inherited from both parents, meaning you must receive the sickle cell gene from both your mother and father to develop the disease. When hemoglobin S replaces normal hemoglobin A, red blood cells lose their flexible, round shape and become rigid and crescent-shaped like a sickle, which causes them to get stuck in small blood vessels and break down prematurely.

Question 3

What is the best test for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

The Sickle Cell Test is the most important test for sickle cell anemia because it specifically detects the presence of abnormal hemoglobin S in your blood. This screening test provides a definitive diagnosis by identifying whether you have sickle cell disease or are a carrier of the sickle cell trait. For monitoring disease complications, the Viscosity, Serum test is also valuable because it measures blood thickness, which increases when rigid sickle cells stick together and helps assess how severely blood flow is affected. Together, these tests provide comprehensive diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of the condition.

Question 4

When should I get tested for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience frequent episodes of severe pain (called pain crises), unexplained fatigue and weakness, frequent infections, delayed growth in children, or vision problems. Testing is especially important if you have African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or South Asian ancestry, as sickle cell anemia is more common in these populations. You should also get tested before pregnancy if you or your partner might be carriers, or if you have a family history of sickle cell disease or trait.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia causes episodes of severe pain called pain crises when sickle-shaped cells block blood flow through small vessels. You might experience chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin or yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), swelling in hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth in children, and vision problems. Pain crises can occur suddenly and affect the chest, abdomen, joints, and bones, lasting from hours to weeks. Many people also develop anemia symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and weakness because sickle cells break down faster than normal red blood cells.

Question 6

Who is at risk for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia primarily affects people of African, Hispanic, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent because the sickle cell gene originally provided protection against malaria in these regions. You are at risk if both of your parents carry at least one copy of the sickle cell gene. If both parents have the sickle cell trait (one normal gene and one sickle cell gene), each child has a 25% chance of having sickle cell disease, a 50% chance of having the trait, and a 25% chance of having neither.

Question 7

What happens if sickle cell anemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated sickle cell anemia can lead to serious and life-threatening complications including stroke, acute chest syndrome, organ damage to the spleen, kidneys, liver, and heart, pulmonary hypertension, blindness, leg ulcers, and priapism in men. The blocked blood vessels can cause permanent damage to organs that do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. People with untreated sickle cell disease have a significantly reduced life expectancy and experience more frequent and severe pain crises that dramatically affect quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper management are essential to prevent these complications.

Question 8

Can sickle cell anemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sickle cell anemia is definitively diagnosed with a blood test that detects abnormal hemoglobin S. The Sickle Cell Test uses hemoglobin electrophoresis or other screening methods to identify the type of hemoglobin in your blood and determine whether you have sickle cell disease or just carry the trait. Newborn screening programs in all 50 U.S. states routinely test babies for sickle cell disease within the first few days of life. Additional blood tests like complete blood count (CBC) can show anemia and abnormal red blood cell counts that support the diagnosis.

Question 9

How is sickle cell anemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia is managed with medications including hydroxyurea to reduce pain crises and increase fetal hemoglobin, voxelotor to improve red blood cell shape, crizanlizumab to prevent blood vessel blockages, and L-glutamine to reduce complications. Pain management involves prescription pain relievers, hydration, and sometimes hospitalization during severe crises. Blood transfusions may be needed to treat severe anemia or prevent stroke. The only cure is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, which replaces abnormal blood-forming cells with healthy ones, but this procedure carries significant risks and requires a matched donor.

Question 10

How can I prevent sickle cell anemia complications?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce complications by staying well-hydrated, drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily, avoiding extreme temperatures and high altitudes, taking prescribed medications consistently, getting all recommended vaccinations including pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines, and attending regular medical checkups. Avoid triggers like dehydration, extreme heat or cold, stress, and overexertion that can cause pain crises. Taking folic acid supplements helps your body produce new red blood cells. Prompt treatment of infections and fevers is crucial because people with sickle cell disease have reduced immune function due to spleen damage.

Question 11

What can I do at home for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, getting adequate rest and sleep, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and taking folic acid supplements to support red blood cell production. During mild pain episodes, use heating pads, take warm baths, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your doctor. Avoid alcohol and smoking, which can worsen symptoms. Keep a pain diary to identify and avoid your personal triggers, and maintain a support network of family, friends, and support groups.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.
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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

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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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

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Sickle Cell Anemia Blood Test

What is Sickle Cell Anemia?

What causes sickle cell anemia?

What is the best test for sickle cell anemia?

When should I get tested for sickle cell anemia?

References

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