Description
A sickle cell lab test which checks for appearance of sickle cell anemia in the blood.
While doing vigorous exercise or in other conditions of body stress people with sickle cell anemia can experience a sickling crisis. During the crisis the red blood cells transform from malleable cells into rigid sickle-shaped cells that will obstruct small blood vessels. The obstructed blood vessels are unable to deliver adequate blood flow to tissues leading to pain and tissue damage.
Sickle Cell Screen - This is a screening test to determine the presence of sickling hemoglobins. (e.g. hemoglobin-s, hemoglobin c-Harlem).
It is important to detect Hb-S in order to determine which individuals are at risk of crisis when exposed to prolonged anoxia such as may occur during surgery, athletic programs or high altitude conditions.
