The Purpose of a Test for Sickle Cell Anemia
A sickle cell anemia lab test is critical for anyone who may be at risk of this genetic disorder. Instead of round red blood cells, someone with sickle cell anemia has crescent-shaped red blood cells. This means the cells can get lodged in blood vessels instead of flowing smoothly through the circulatory system. As a result, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the body slows down. The condition can also cause sickle cell crisis, or pain crisis, in different parts of the body that can last for hours or days; vision loss, neurological issues, and splenic sequestration (blocked blood vessels in the spleen) are also complications of sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia is frequently diagnosed in infancy, but people can also inherit the genetic mutation as a carrier without any symptoms.
What Does the Sickle Cell Lab Test Measure?
The test for sickle cell anemia looks for the presence of hemoglobin S in your blood. This is what causes the misshapen red blood cells to form.
Who Should Take a Sickle Cell Anemia Lab Test?
Infants are typically tested for sickle cell anemia soon after birth. Adults can be tested if they have a family history of the condition and think they may be a genetic carrier of sickle cell anemia. This genetic disorder is more common among African Americans, Latinos, and people from the Middle East, India, Asia, and the Mediterranean area.
Sickle Cell Anemia Blood Test Preparation
A blood test for sickle cell anemia doesn’t require any special preparation.
Sickle Cell Lab Test Results
Normal, or negative results indicate there is no hemoglobin S in the blood. A positive test means someone has sickle cell anemia or is a genetic carrier.
Where Can I Get a Blood Test for Sickle Cell Anemia Near Me?
Personlabs is your source for a wide array of general health tests so you can be proactive in your healthcare choices. Here’s how easy it is to order a test from us:
Step 1: Purchase your test online and download the lab order that comes with it. (You don’t need approval from a doctor to buy the test, depending on the state where you live.)
Step 2: Choose the location to take your test with our easy-to-use lab finder. You have more than 4,000 Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics locations to choose from across the country.
Step 3: Bring the test order to the lab when you go to your blood draw appointment.
Step 4: View your results report within 2 to 10 business days in your secure portal. (Turnaround times vary, so contact us if you need to get your results within a certain timeframe.) If you need to know more about what your results mean, book a telehealth visit with one of our board-certified doctors.
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