Question 1

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, blocking blood flow and reducing oxygen delivery to tissues. It is caused by a genetic mutation that produces abnormal hemoglobin S instead of normal hemoglobin A. The Sickle Cell Test is the most important test for diagnosis, as it identifies the presence of hemoglobin S in the blood.

Question 2

What causes sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation in the HBB gene that produces abnormal hemoglobin S instead of normal hemoglobin A. This mutation is inherited when a person receives the sickle cell gene from both parents. The abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky, and crescent-shaped instead of round and flexible, leading to blockages in small blood vessels and reduced oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Question 3

What is the best test for sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

The Sickle Cell Test is the most important test for sickle cell disease because it specifically detects the presence of hemoglobin S, the abnormal hemoglobin that defines this condition. This test uses hemoglobin electrophoresis or other specialized techniques to identify and measure different types of hemoglobin in your blood. The test can confirm whether you have sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, or are unaffected, and it can distinguish between different types of sickle cell disorders. A complete blood count (CBC) may also be performed alongside to assess the severity of anemia and monitor red blood cell health.

Question 4

When should I get tested for sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of sickle cell disease or if both parents are known carriers of the sickle cell trait. Testing is especially important before having children to understand your carrier status and genetic risks. You should also consider testing if you experience unexplained episodes of severe pain, frequent infections, fatigue, jaundice, or swelling in hands and feet. Newborn screening typically catches sickle cell disease early, but if you were born before widespread screening programs or in a location without routine testing, adult screening is recommended.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of sickle cell disease include episodes of severe pain called pain crises that can occur in the chest, abdomen, joints, and bones when sickled cells block blood flow. You might notice chronic fatigue and weakness due to anemia, frequent infections because the spleen becomes damaged, delayed growth in children, and vision problems. Other common symptoms include swelling in hands and feet, jaundice causing yellowing of the skin and eyes, and shortness of breath during physical activity.

Question 6

Who is at risk for sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

People of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Hispanic ancestry are at higher risk for sickle cell disease due to higher carrier rates in these populations. You are at risk if both of your parents carry at least one copy of the sickle cell gene. If both parents have sickle cell trait, each child has a 25% chance of having sickle cell disease, a 50% chance of having sickle cell trait, and a 25% chance of having normal hemoglobin. Family history is the strongest risk factor, as this is a genetic condition that runs in families.

Question 7

What happens if sickle cell disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated sickle cell disease leads to serious complications including stroke, acute chest syndrome, organ damage to the spleen, liver, kidneys, and heart, and increased risk of severe infections. You may experience more frequent and severe pain crises that can become debilitating and require hospitalization. Chronic complications include pulmonary hypertension, priapism in males, retinopathy leading to vision loss, and leg ulcers. Early diagnosis and proper management with preventive care, medications, and regular monitoring can significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life.

Question 8

Can sickle cell disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sickle cell disease can be definitively diagnosed with a blood test. The Sickle Cell Test uses hemoglobin electrophoresis or high-performance liquid chromatography to identify and measure hemoglobin S and other abnormal hemoglobin types in your blood. This test is highly accurate and can distinguish between sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, and normal hemoglobin. Additional blood tests like a complete blood count help assess the degree of anemia and monitor red blood cell health, while genetic testing can confirm the specific mutation.

Question 9

How is sickle cell disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell disease is treated with medications including hydroxyurea to reduce pain crises and increase fetal hemoglobin, L-glutamine to reduce complications, crizanlizumab to prevent pain crises, and voxelotor to improve anemia. Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers for mild pain and prescription opioids for severe crises. Blood transfusions may be needed for severe anemia or to prevent stroke. Bone marrow or stem cell transplant is the only potential cure but carries significant risks. Preventive care includes vaccinations, antibiotics to prevent infections, and regular medical monitoring.

Question 10

How can I prevent sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

You cannot prevent sickle cell disease if you inherit the genetic mutation from both parents, but genetic counseling and carrier testing before having children can help you understand your risks and make informed family planning decisions. If both partners are carriers, options include prenatal testing, preimplantation genetic diagnosis with in vitro fertilization, or adoption. For people with sickle cell disease, preventing complications involves staying hydrated, avoiding extreme temperatures, managing stress, getting adequate rest, taking preventive medications as prescribed, and maintaining regular medical care with a hematologist.

Question 11

What can I do at home to manage sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage sickle cell disease by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration that can trigger pain crises, and avoiding extreme heat or cold that can cause cells to sickle. Apply warm compresses to painful areas during mild pain episodes, practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing, and get adequate sleep to support your immune system. Eat a balanced diet rich in folic acid to support red blood cell production, avoid high altitudes and strenuous exercise that can trigger sickling, and keep a pain diary to identify your personal triggers so you can avoid them.

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:
            
                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 support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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 support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

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.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

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.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. 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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Sickle Cell Disease Blood Test

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

What causes sickle cell disease?

What is the best test for sickle cell disease?

When should I get tested for sickle cell disease?

References

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