About Sickle cell
Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia affect haemoglobin, a part of the blood that carries oxygen around the body.
People who have these health conditions need specialist care throughout their lives.
People with sickle cell:
can have episodes of very severe pain
can get serious life-threatening infections
are usually anaemic (their bodies have difficulty carrying oxygen)
Babies with sickle cell disease can receive early treatment, including vaccinations and antibiotics.
This, along with support from their parents, will help prevent serious illness and allow the child to live a healthier life.
When both parents are carriers
When both parents are carriers, each time they’re expecting a child there’s:
a 1 in 4 chance of the child not having or carrying the disease
a 2 in 4 chance of the child being a carrier
a 1 in 4 chance of the child having the disease
Anyone can be a carrier of haemoglobin disease. But it’s more common among people with ancestors from Africa, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, India, Pakistan, south and southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Can anyone have a test for sickle cell
Although testing for sickle cell is only offered during pregnancy.
If you or your partner are concerned you may be a carrier, perhaps because someone in your family has a blood disorder or is a carrier, it’s a good idea to get tested before you start a family.
How can the test be done? The test is on through single blood test, it will take upto 24-72 hours for the result to be emailed to you.
