What tests are used to diagnose sickle cell conditions?
There are several tests suitable for determining what type of hemoglobin is made by a person’s red blood cells. These include: • Hemoglobin electrophoresis • Isoelectric focusing • Chromatography These tests can determine whether a person has a type of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait. DNA analysis is used to determine changes in the genes for making hemoglobin. This test indirectly predicts the type of hemoglobin made in the red cells. Tests that are not suitable for determining sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait include: • Solubility tests (eg, Sickledex) • Sickling test A “positive” result from these tests simply indicates the presence of hemoblobin S in a person’s blood; this occurs in both sickle cell trait and all types of sickle cell disease. Other tests that are not useful by themselves for diagnosing sickle cell conditions include: • Blood count. This test may detect anemia but there are many other causes of anemia in infants and others with mild types of sickle
