Sickle Cell Anemia

Laboratory Tests

The goal with testing is to identify sickle cell anemia as soon as possible, to identify patients with sickle cell trait, and to identify, evaluate, and treat complications as they arise. Newborn screening for sickle cell is performed routinely in most U.S. states and territories. This testing can identify the specific types of hemoglobin present. This and other testing that may be performed include:

Hb solubility test: To screen for sickle cell anemia.

Hemoglobinopathy (Hb) evaluation. Hb electrophoresis, Hb isoelectric focusing or HPLC: This test measures the type and relative amounts of hemoglobin present in the red blood cells.

DNA analysis: This test is used to investigate alterations and mutations in the genes that produce hemoglobin components.

CBC (complete blood count)

Blood smear (also called peripheral smear and manual differential)

Iron studies

See Sickle Cell Tests for more information on these tests.