Sickle cell preparation Test

The term sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. The symptoms of SCD have abnormal haemoglobin, called haemoglobin S or sickle haemoglobin, in their red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body and sickle cell is a lifelong disease. A sickle cell preparation is a screening test done on blood to identify the intensity of sickle cell disease.

Family and medication history is discussed. Laboratory technician may advise you, when to have the blood test on or after a meal. You are advised to stop all medications. You may be requested to wrap a wide rubber strap around your arm and will be tightened it. A blood sample may be drawn from a vein in your arm or a fingerstick or heelstick (newborns). Genetic counselling is advised.

Patient may receive a treatment plan. Antibiotics will be given to the children about 2 months. Doctor may advise pain killers for adults. Vaccination will be advised to prevent disease in children. Patient may be advised to drink plenty of water, avoid temperature extremes, mild exercise. Patient may be advised to take folic acid supplements daily, and choose a healthy diet as bone marrow needs folic acid and other vitamins to make new red blood cells Doctor may suggest a diet plan which focused on a variety of fruits and vegetables.

To determine anemia a Complete Blood Test may be suggested. Blood transfusion will be advised and given through intravenously to a person. Bone marrow transplant may be advised if bones are effected by sickle cell anemia. The area from blood sample is collected may be wiped with alcohol. A small needle attached to a test tube will be inserted into a vein in your arm and the needle is removed once the tube is filled with blood. You will be a piece of cotton to wipe away the drops of blood and advised to hold the cotton on the site for few minutes to help stop the bleeding.