Sickling Test

What is Sickling Test?

A sickling test is used to check for the presence of sickle cell disease in newborns. Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that is genetically inherited by babies. Under this condition, the body develops an abnormal haemoglobin compound called haemoglobin S, which causes the red blood cells to become sickle-shaped. These cells die off early, leading to a shortage of red blood cells in the body. This test is also known as a sickle cell anaemia test.

About Sickling Test

Learn everything about sickle cell tests, before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.

What Does a Sickling Test Measure?

A sickle cell screening test measures the presence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) or Sickle cell Trait. This test helps in diagnosing sickle cell trait.

In other words, it checks whether a person has the disease or can be a carrier and transmit the disease to their offspring. The test is generally conducted amongst newborns, but it can also be conducted amongst adults.¹

Why Do Doctors Recommend a Sickling Test?

Though a sickle cell screening test can be carried out at any age, doctors mostly recommend it for newborn babies or to mothers while they are 8-10 weeks pregnant. Diagnosing sickle cell disease can be carried out in two ways²:

Prenatal screening: This sickle cell blood test can be used for diagnosing sickle cell disease before a baby is born. In such cases, a sample of the amniotic fluid or tissue from the mother’s placenta is collected and checked for sickle cells. However, in prenatal screening, the doctors check for abnormal haemoglobin genes instead of haemoglobin S.
Newborn screening: This kind of sickle cell screening is carried out just after birth, where a blood sample of the baby is collected and checked for the disease. It helps in diagnosing sickle cell trait and is also called a sickle cell anaemia test. The newborn sickle screening test also helps in determining whether the baby is a carrier of the disease.

Doctors can recommend a sickle screening test if you face any of the following symptoms³:

Fatigue due to anaemia
Paleness and shortness of breath
Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Periodic episodes of pain caused by blocked blood flow
Hand-foot syndrome, resulting in swollen hands and feet
Frequent infections
Delayed growth
Vision problems

How To Prepare For Sickling Test?

The steps below help you ensure that your Sickling test provides the most accurate information about your health.

Medication guidelines: Tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Follow any specific instructions regarding drug adjustment before testing.

Contact to doctor: Share your entire medical history with existing conditions or symptoms to help explain test results.

What Happens During Sickling Testing?

A Sickling Test only takes a few minutes.

As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a Lab Technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
They place a small bandage on the arm

Please note: There might be slight pain or bruising at the spot of insertion, but most of the symptoms go away quickly.

Finding Sickling Test

Should you book blood test online to check your health condition or go to the nearest clinic and get it done by a medical professional? Let's Find Out

Can I Take a Sickling Test At Home?

Yes, the Sickling Test can be taken at home. HealthcareOnTime's at-home lab testing service, in association with thyrocare, provides a convenient and efficient way to get blood testing done from the comfort of your own home without the need for a doctor's visit or a trip to a lab. It's important to note that it's always a good idea to consult with an expert healthcare provider about any queries you may have about your test results.

How Much Does Sickling Test Cost?

The Sickling test price varies significantly depending on many factors:

Location: The Sickling test prices in India may vary depending on the city or the region in which the test is conducted. For example, in Bangalore or Mumbai, it might be expensive as compared to small towns.
Type of facility centres: The Sickling test charge also varies between private hospitals, government hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Cost is lower in government hospitals as compared to private ones.
Healthcare centres: Diagnostic centres, laboratories and hospitals may have different Sickling test prices. It depends upon the benefits and reputation of the healthcare centre.
Insurance Coverage: Individuals with health insurance can cover partial or all costs depending on their policy coverage and network providers.
Additional services: Additional services such as home sample collection, express test results, or additional charges for special management may be paid, which contributes to the overall Sickling test price.

Generally, the Sickling test cost in India ranges from Rs. 250 to Rs. 700. By opting for HealthcareOnTime lab test at-home facilities, you can access the Sickling test at the cost of INR 300.

Test Results Interpretation

You received your sickling test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to know if your results range between the sickling test normal range.

What Does Sickling Test Results Mean?

The sickle cell test checks⁴ for abnormal haemoglobin S. If the test is negative, your haemoglobin is normal. If it's positive, you might have sickle cell trait or SCD. Another test called haemoglobin electrophoresis can confirm the diagnosis. If you have two abnormal genes, it's likely SCD. If you have one abnormal gene and no symptoms, it's likely a sickle cell trait.

What is a Sickling Test Normal Range?

The following is the interpretation of sickle cell test results:⁵

^{Sickling Test Results}	Interpretation
Negative	Normal
Positive	Presence of haemoglobin S / Sickle cell disease

What Medical Conditions Can Cause High Sickling Levels?

Medical Conditions That Can Cause High Sickling Levels⁵:

Sickle Cell Anaemia: This condition is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production of haemoglobin, resulting in the characteristic sickle-shaped red blood cells.
Sickle Cell Trait: Individuals with the sickle cell trait have one normal haemoglobin gene and one sickle cell gene. While they may not experience symptoms themselves, they can still pass the sickle cell gene to their children.

Other Hemoglobinopathies: Certain other genetic conditions affecting haemoglobin production or structure can also lead to high sickling levels, although they may not necessarily cause sickle cell anaemia.

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