Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Sickle-cell screen
Sickle-cell screen
EDTA
| Test | Sickle-cell screen |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | HbS |
| Profile | Followed-up by a Haemoglobinopathy Investigation |
| Clinical Indication | Sickle haemoblobin is a consequence of an amino acid substitution in one or both beta chains of the haemoglobin molecule. In its homozygous form (Sickle Cell Disease) the patient has an intolerance for a reduced oxygen tension situation eg. anaesthesia or altitude. The patient then goes into crisis where major organs can become infarcted. The heterozygous form (Sickle Cell Trait) is usually asymptomatic. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample Type | EDTA |
| Minimum Volume | 1 x 3 mL (adult) 2 x 0.5 mL (paed) (can be shared with a FBC sample) |
| Special Precautions | Please state ethnic origin if known |
| Stability | |
| Turnaround Time | 1 hour (urgent) at York Hospital (must call Lab prior) 4 hours (urgent) at Scarborough Hospital (must call Lab prior) 24 hours (routine) |
| Laboratory | York Hospital |
| Reference Interval | N/A |
| Limitations | Cannot be analysed within 4 months of blood transfusion |
| Additional Information |
