Sickle Cell Disease Tests

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is the most commonly performed test to determine a person's hemoglobin type. Widely available in the United States, it uses an electric charge to differentiate between normal and abnormal types of hemoglobin and is performed after a simple blood draw. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is performed on all newborns in more than 40 states.

Early diagnosis of SCD is critical so that children who have the disease can begin receiving the proper care as soon as possible—and so their parents can become educated about the disease. Evidence indicates that early identification of children with SCD, along with appropriate treatment, significantly improves their chances of survival during childhood.

SCD also can be diagnosed before a child is born with a fetal blood draw—an option some parents choose, particularly if they both carry the hemoglobin S gene, or if one carries the hemoglobin S gene and the other carries a different abnormal hemoglobin, such as hemoglobin C. This test tells parents whether their child will be born with one of the types of SCD. If SCD is diagnosed, parents may choose to terminate the pregnancy.

Other tests

To optimally manage their disease, people with SCD are required to undergo a number of regular tests and monitoring procedures. Some tests are age specific; others are necessary throughout life.