Sickle Cell
Trait Screening

Early detection through sickle cell trait screening can help individuals and families make informed decisions about their health and well-being. These decisions can have a real impact in reducing the rates of children born with SCD.

GET Screened.

Sickle Cell Trait is the condition in which an individual only inherits the hemoglobin S gene (HbS) from one parent. Individuals with sickle cell trait are also known as sickle cell carriers, referring to the fact that these individuals can pass down the trait to their children.

Since the trait is a recessive gene, when two carriers have a child there is a 50% chance (1 in 2) that any child of theirs will inherit the trait. When two carriers have a child there is a 25% (1 in 4) chance that the child will inherit sickle cell disease, and a 25% chance that the child will not inherit sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait.

View our GetScreened Card here!

WHy SHould I get SCreened?

  • Sickle cell trait is an inherited condition, which means that individuals with the trait have inherited one copy of the mutated gene from one of their parents. If two carriers of the sickle cell trait have children, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two copies of the mutated gene and develop sickle cell disease. Screening for sickle cell trait can help identify carriers and inform them about their risks of passing the trait to their children.

  • In some cases, sickle cell trait screening may also identify individuals with sickle cell disease. This can be important for early diagnosis and treatment, which can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

    Preventing complications: Individuals with sickle cell trait may be at increased risk of certain health complications, such as exercise-related rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of muscle tissue that can occur during intense physical activity) and sudden death during intense physical exertion. Knowing that you have sickle cell trait can help you take steps to prevent these complications, such as avoiding intense exercise or taking precautions when engaging in physical activity.

  • If you have sickle cell trait, your healthcare provider may recommend certain tests or precautions to help you manage your health and reduce your risk of complications. For example, you may need to avoid high altitudes or certain medications that can trigger sickling of the red blood cells.

  • Sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait are often misunderstood and stigmatized, particularly in certain communities. By getting screened for sickle cell trait and talking openly about the condition, we can help raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with sickle cell disease and trait.

HOw to get Screened.

To get screened for sickle cell trait, you can start by talking to your healthcare provider. They can advise you on the testing process and recommend a suitable screening method. Typically, this is done through a blood test that measures the type of hemoglobin in your blood. Sickle cell trait screening is usually recommended for newborns, but it is always better to get screened prior to family planning, and even relationship building.

WHICH BLOOD TEST IS USED?

The test used to screen for sickle cell trait is called a Hemoglobin Electrophoresis.

This test is designed to detect the presence and relative amounts of different types of hemoglobin in the blood. In individuals with sickle cell trait, the test will show a combination of normal hemoglobin (hemoglobin A) and abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S).

It's important to note that the hemoglobin electrophoresis test is highly sensitive and specific, and can detect sickle cell trait even if a person only carries one copy of the mutated gene.

Know The Codes

Physicians can use the following codes to order the Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test:

CPT CODE: 83021
CCI CODE: 1.EE.60.GK.30

Understanding YOur results

The results of a sickle cell trait test typically show whether an individual has normal hemoglobin, sickle cell trait, or sickle cell disease.

In individuals with sickle cell trait, the test results will show a combination of normal hemoglobin (hemoglobin A) and abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S). The ratio of hemoglobin A to hemoglobin S may vary, but in most cases, hemoglobin A will be the predominant form of hemoglobin, with hemoglobin S present in smaller amounts.

  • The specific results of the sickle cell trait test may be reported in different ways, depending on the laboratory or healthcare provider. The following results are generally considered to be indicative of someone who is not a carrier of sickle cell:

    • Absence of Sickle Cell Trait – Hemoglobin A (HbA): 95% to 98%

    The following results are generally considered normal or indicative of sickle cell trait:

    • Presence of Sickle Cell Trait:

      • Hemoglobin A (HbA): 60-80%

      • Hemoglobin S (HbS): 20-40%

    It's important to note that sickle cell trait is not a disease, but rather a carrier status. Individuals with sickle cell trait usually do not experience any symptoms or health problems, but they can pass the mutated gene on to their children.

  • If the sickle cell trait test results show a high amount of hemoglobin S, this may indicate that the individual has sickle cell disease rather than sickle cell trait. In such cases, additional testing and follow-up may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and provide appropriate care.

    • Sickle Cell Disease – Hemoglobin S (HbS): 80-100%

    Results of the Hemoglobin Electrophoresis tests:

    • Absence of Sickle Cell Trait – Hemoglobin A (HbA): 95% to 98%

    • Presence of Sickle Cell Trait

      • Hemoglobin A (HbA): 60-80%

      • Hemoglobin S (HbS): 20-40%

    • Sickle Cell Disease – Hemoglobin S (HbS): 80-100%

5 Reasons to Tell your physician why you want to get Screened:

  1. I am of African descent 

  2. I am in a serious relationship and/or planning on getting engaged 

  3. I am family planning 

  4. Someone in my family is a carrier of sickle cell disease and/or has sickle cell disease 

  5. I would like to donate blood