Question 1

What is Sickle Cell Trait?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell trait is a genetic condition where a person carries one copy of the sickle cell gene mutation but does not have sickle cell disease. It is caused by inheriting one normal hemoglobin A gene and one mutated hemoglobin S gene from parents. The Sickle Cell Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects the presence of hemoglobin S and confirms carrier status.

Question 2

What causes sickle cell trait?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell trait is caused by inheriting one abnormal hemoglobin S gene from one parent and one normal hemoglobin A gene from the other parent. The hemoglobin S gene contains a mutation that changes the structure of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Unlike people with sickle cell disease who inherit two copies of the abnormal gene, carriers with sickle cell trait have enough normal hemoglobin to prevent sickling of red blood cells under most circumstances, which is why they typically have no symptoms.

Question 3

What is the best test for sickle cell trait?

Accepted Answer

The Sickle Cell Test is the most important test for sickle cell trait because it specifically detects the presence of hemoglobin S in your blood and confirms carrier status. This test uses hemoglobin electrophoresis or similar methods to separate and identify different types of hemoglobin, distinguishing between normal hemoglobin A and the abnormal hemoglobin S that causes sickling. The test provides definitive identification of whether you carry one copy of the sickle cell gene, which is essential information for family planning decisions and genetic counseling.

Question 4

When should I get tested for sickle cell trait?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are planning to have children and want to know your carrier status, especially if you have African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or South Asian ancestry where sickle cell trait is more common. Testing is also important if your partner is a known carrier or has sickle cell disease, if you have family members with sickle cell trait or disease, or if you are undergoing preconception counseling. Early testing allows couples to understand their risk of having a child with sickle cell disease and make informed family planning decisions with the help of genetic counseling.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of sickle cell trait?

Accepted Answer

Most people with sickle cell trait have no symptoms and live normal, healthy lives without any health problems related to the condition. The single copy of the hemoglobin S gene produces enough normal hemoglobin to prevent the red blood cell sickling that causes symptoms in people with sickle cell disease. In rare cases, extreme conditions like severe dehydration, high altitude, or intense physical exertion might trigger mild symptoms, but this is uncommon. This is why many people with sickle cell trait are unaware they are carriers until they undergo genetic screening.

Question 6

Who is at risk for sickle cell trait?

Accepted Answer

People with ancestry from regions where malaria was or is common are at higher risk for carrying sickle cell trait, including those of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, and South Asian descent. In the United States, sickle cell trait occurs in approximately 1 in 13 Black or African American babies, but it can affect people of any ethnicity. The trait evolved as a protective mechanism against malaria, which is why it is more prevalent in populations from malaria-endemic regions. Anyone with family members who have sickle cell trait or disease should consider testing.

Question 7

What happens if sickle cell trait is left undetected?

Accepted Answer

While sickle cell trait itself does not typically cause health problems for carriers, leaving it undetected can have significant implications for family planning. If two carriers of sickle cell trait have children together, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that the child will inherit two copies of the hemoglobin S gene and have sickle cell disease, a serious condition requiring lifelong medical management. Without knowing their carrier status, couples cannot make informed reproductive decisions or seek genetic counseling to understand their options, which may include prenatal testing or preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Question 8

Can sickle cell trait be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sickle cell trait can be definitively diagnosed with a blood test that identifies the types of hemoglobin in your blood. The most common methods are hemoglobin electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), or isoelectric focusing, which separate and measure different hemoglobin types. These tests will show the presence of both hemoglobin A (normal) and hemoglobin S (sickle) in carriers, with hemoglobin A typically being the majority. A simple blood draw is all that is needed, and results clearly indicate whether you carry the sickle cell gene.

Question 9

How is sickle cell trait managed?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell trait typically requires no medical treatment or management because carriers do not experience symptoms of sickle cell disease. The main management focus is genetic counseling, especially for individuals planning to have children, to understand the risk of passing the gene to offspring. If both partners are carriers, genetic counseling can provide information about prenatal testing options and the 25% chance of having a child with sickle cell disease. Carriers should stay well-hydrated during intense physical activity and inform healthcare providers of their carrier status, particularly before surgery or if traveling to high altitudes.

Question 10

How can I prevent passing sickle cell disease to my children?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot change your genetic carrier status, knowing your status and your partner's status allows you to make informed family planning decisions through genetic counseling. If both partners are carriers, options include prenatal testing during pregnancy to determine if the baby has inherited two copies of the sickle cell gene, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) with in vitro fertilization to select embryos without sickle cell disease, or considering adoption or donor gametes. Genetic counselors can discuss all available options, their risks and benefits, and support couples in making decisions aligned with their values and circumstances.

Question 11

What can I do if I am a sickle cell trait carrier?

Accepted Answer

If you are a carrier, the most important step is to inform your partner, especially if you are planning to have children, so they can also get tested to determine their carrier status. Consider meeting with a genetic counselor who can explain the implications, answer questions, and discuss family planning options if both you and your partner are carriers. Share your carrier status with family members, as they may also be carriers and benefit from testing. Stay informed about sickle cell trait and disease, maintain good hydration especially during strenuous activities, and always inform healthcare providers of your status before medical procedures.

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 Trait Blood Test

What is Sickle Cell Trait?

What causes sickle cell trait?

What is the best test for sickle cell trait?

When should I get tested for sickle cell trait?

References

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