Characteristics/Symptoms

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. Sickle cell patients have red blood cells that contain an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. These red blood cells become sickle shaped (shaped like a "C") and experience difficulty passing through blood vessels. The sickle cells form clumps that stick to the blood vessels, the clumps block the blood flow that leads to important organs in the body. Episodes of pain/crises are the outcome of the blocked blood flow. Because of these complications, patients are expected to have a reduced life span of 30 years. Doctors can identify the disease at birth with a blood test. If not screened at birth, a blood sample can be used for a test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. This test can determine if you have the disease or if you are a carrier of the defected hemoglobin gene.