How is sickledex performed

Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Iron deficiency or blood transfusions within the past 3 months can cause a false negative result. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another, and from one side of the body to the other.

Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Apply a warm compress to the site if you develop a bruise.

The lab tech who examines your blood sample will be looking for an abnormal form of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S.

Regular hemoglobin is a protein carried by RBCs. It picks up oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to other tissues and organs throughout your body. This is the material that makes up your genes. If one of the genes is altered or mutated, it can change how the hemoglobin behaves.

A sickle cell test looks only for the presence of hemoglobin S, which causes SCD. A negative test is normal. It means your hemoglobin is normal. A positive test result may mean you have sickle cell trait or SCD.

If the test is positive, your doctor will probably order a second test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. This will help determine which condition you have.

If the test shows you have two abnormal hemoglobin genes, your doctor will likely make an SCD diagnosis. If the test shows you have only one of these abnormal genes and no symptoms, your doctor will likely make the diagnosis of sickle cell trait.

Your doctor or lab tech can tell you when to expect your test results. Since newborn screenings vary by each state, results may take up to two weeks for infants. For adults, it may be as fast as one business day. Your doctor will go over your test results with you. If the test shows you have the sickle cell trait, they may order more tests before they confirm a diagnosis.

If you receive a diagnosis of SCD, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Test Results: days.

May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays. Individuals with two copies of the Hb S gene homozygous have sickle cell anemia, also known as sickle cell disease. Individuals with one Hb S gene and one normal hemoglobin gene heterozygous have sickle cell trait. Routine sickle requests and samples from GP's are sent directly for analysis to the Haematology Laboratory at Heartlands Hospital. Sickle positive results by HPLC are then sickle cell screened by this method as confirmation of Sickle cell status.

However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff. Musculoskeletal Lab. Privacy Downloads. Preferred Sample Type. Specimen Volume 4mL.