Sickle Cell Tests
Also known as: Hemoglobin S; Hb S; Hgb S
Formal name: Hemoglobin S evaluation
Related tests: Hemoglobin electrophoresis; Isoelectric focusing; Hemoglobin S Solubility; Hemoglobin Fractionation by HPLC; Hemoglobin Variants, CBC, Blood Smear, Iron Tests
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To determine whether a person has sickle cell trait or disease by measuring the presence and amount of hemoglobin S
When to Get Tested?
Routinely as part of a newborn screen or whenever it is necessary to determine whether a person is a sickle cell carrier or has sickle cell anemia, particularly in the African-American population
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or obtained from the heel or finger of an infant
Test Preparation Needed?
None; however, if this test is used for diagnosis, the sample should not be drawn after a recent blood transfusion.
