Sickle cell screen, Blood

Diagnostic Use

To identify the presence of Hb S, i.e. sickle cell trait or sickle cell anaemia

Department

Haematology - Special Tests

Delphic Registration Code

HBSC

Constituent Tests

• Hb alkaline electrophoresis, Blood
• Sickle solubility test

Turnaround Time

4 days

Test Code

1407

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

4000

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3.0

Pre-testing Requirements

No blood transfusion and/or iron treatment in the preceding 3 months

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

2.0

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Preferred aliquot 1 x 4.0mL EDTA whole blood, minimum aliquot 2mL EDTA whole blood

Interpretation

Heterozygous Hb S indicates sickle cell trait, while homozygous Hb S indicates sickle cell anaemia

Test Method

Sickle solubility test
Hb electrophoresis at alkaline pH using cellulose acetate gels, and capillary electrophoresis

Contact Canterbury Health Laboratories on +64 3 364 0484 or email LabInfo@cdhb.health.nz

All requests for a sickle cell screen have a sickle solubility test and a Hb alkaline electrophoresis performed.
Samples with a positive sickle cell screen are referred for a full haemoglobinopathy screen.
Test Availability: Mon - Fri, 0800 - 1700 (urgent testing by arrangement)

Contact Information

Enquiry Form