What is Sickle Cell Trait?
Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cell which carries oxygen, so that oxygen can be delivered throughout the body. Normal hemoglobin is called hemoglobin A and sickle hemoglobin is called hemoglobin S. Sickle cell trait occurs when a person has one sickle hemoglobin gene inherited from one parent and one normal hemoglobin gene inherited from the other parent. Sickle cell trait is the presence of hemoglobin A and S on the test for sickle hemoglobin. Sickle cell trait does NOT cause sickle cell disease.
Who can inherit Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait?
Anyone who has at least one parent with at least one sickle hemoglobin gene can inherit sickle cell trait. The sickle gene is present in many communities, including:
- African American or African – particularly sub Saharan Africa
- Middle East
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Mediterranean (Greece and Italy)
- India
However, you can be from none of these communities and still inherit sickle cell trait if one or both of your parents have the sickle hemoglobin gene. Babies born in the US and many other countries around the world are screened for the sickle hemoglobin gene at birth through a test called newborn screening. Pregnant women are also screened for the sickle hemoglobin gene.
How can I be tested?
All States in the US test newborn babies for the sickle cell gene, called newborn screening. The blood test will detect sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.
In addition, a simple blood test, called a hemoglobin electrophoresis, can be done by your doctor. This test will tell if you are a carrier of sickle hemoglobin (have one sickle hemoglobin gene), or if you have other abnormal hemoglobins that when paired with a sickle cell gene may result in sickle cell disease.