sickle cell screen

This test involves newborn screening for hemoglobin disorders—genetic conditions affecting red blood cell function, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Blood is collected from a newborn heel prick on a filter card. Early detection allows for immediate treatment and management, preventing serious complications like pain crises, organ damage, and death. Most U.S. states include hemoglobin screening in routine newborn panels. Results include interpretive comments guiding follow-up testing and pediatric care.

This newborn screening panel measures hemoglobin types and levels from a blood spot collected from heel pricks. It detects sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other hemoglobinopathies that affect oxygen-carrying capacity. Early detection allows immediate treatment to prevent serious complications like pain crises, organ damage, and stroke. This screening is performed on all newborns in most countries and is critical for infant health outcomes.

This newborn screening test detects hemoglobin disorders using a small blood sample from a heel prick on a dried blood spot card. It identifies conditions like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, which cause abnormal hemoglobin production. Early detection through newborn screening allows immediate treatment and monitoring to prevent serious complications, including pain crises, organ damage, and stroke.