What does the screening test involve?

Screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia involves a blood test. It’s best to have the test before you’re 10 weeks pregnant.This is because you’ll have the option of more tests to find out whether your baby will be affected if this first test shows you’re a carrier of a blood disorder.By having the test early, you and your partner can find out about all your options and make an informed decision if your baby is at risk of inheriting a blood disorder.All pregnant women are offered a test for thalassaemia, but not all women are automatically offered a test for sickle cell.In areas where haemoglobin diseases are more common, all women will automatically be offered a blood test for sickle cell.In areas where haemoglobin diseases are less common, a questionnaire is used to identify your family origins and the origins of the baby’s father.If the questionnaire shows that either you or the baby’s father is at risk of being a sickle cell carrier, you’ll be offered a screening test.You can ask to have the test even if your family origins do not suggest the baby would be at high risk of a haemoglobin disease.

Can this screening harm me or my baby?

No, the screening test cannot harm you or your baby, but it’s important to think carefully about whether or not to have this test.It can provide information that may mean you have to make further important decisions.