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Sickle Cell Blood Test

 


Sickle Cell Blood Test

£125.00 - £125.00
£125.00
£125.00 - £125.00
£125.00

A sickle cell blood test detects the presence of abnormal hemoglobin S, characteristic of sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells.

  • Biomarkers: 15
  • Turnaround: 15 days

Simple and accurate blood test from a laboratory you can speak to.

Step 1. Choose sample collection option

Currently selected option: CLINIC APPOINTMENT

  • Add same or next day appointment during checkout.
  • Rapid results - no waiting for the kit, no finger pricking, no posting the sample back.
  • Blood collection from your arm by our professional nurses.
  • Single appointment covers all your tests on the day.
  • Clinics in London, Brighton/Hove, Croydon, Guildford, Reigate, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Crawley.

Clinic too far? Get a home kit by selecting "HOME KIT" as sample option, it's the same test.
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About the Sickle Cell Blood Test

Sickle cell disease (SCD), also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cells in the body. It is an inherited condition caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which encodes a protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body`s tissues. In individuals with sickle cell disease, a specific mutation causes the hemoglobin to form abnormal, rigid, and crescent-shaped red blood cells instead of the normal, flexible, round ones.

These abnormal red blood cells are less efficient at carrying oxygen, and they can easily become stuck in small blood vessels, leading to a range of health problems. Some of the key characteristics and complications of sickle cell disease include:

  1. Pain Crises: People with SCD often experience episodes of severe pain, called pain crises, which can occur anywhere in the body. These crises are the result of blocked blood flow and tissue damage due to the misshapen red blood cells.
  2. Anemia: SCD can lead to chronic anemia, which causes fatigue, weakness, and pale skin due to a reduced number of healthy red blood cells.
  3. Organ Damage: The blockage of blood vessels by sickle cells can cause damage to various organs, including the spleen, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Over time, this damage can lead to complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and kidney problems.
  4. Infections: Individuals with SCD are more susceptible to infections because their spleen may not function properly, making it harder for the body to fight off certain infections.
  5. Delayed Growth: SCD can affect the growth and development of children.
  6. Hand-Foot Syndrome: This condition causes painful swelling of the hands and feet, often occurring in infants with SCD.
  7. Vision Problems: The abnormal blood flow can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems.
  8. Priapism: Men with SCD may experience prolonged, painful erections due to blocked blood vessels in the penis.
  9. Gallstones: Sickle cell disease increases the risk of developing gallstones, which can cause abdominal pain.

Treatment for sickle cell disease focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This may include pain management, blood transfusions, medication (such as hydroxyurea), and, in severe cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. Early diagnosis and regular medical care are crucial for individuals with SCD to lead healthier lives and manage their condition effectively.

23 Biomarkers

  1. FULL BLOOD COUNT

    - White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
    - Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
    - Haemoglobin (HGB)
    - Hematocrit (HCT)
    - Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
    - Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)
    - Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
    - Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
    - Platelets (PLT) (Venous samples only)
    - Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
    - Lymphocytes (LYM)
    - Monocytes (MON)
    - Neutrophils (NEU)
    - Eosinophils (EOS)
    - Basophils (BAS)

  2. SICKLE CELL MARKERS

    - Haemoglobin A0
    - Haemoglobin A2
    - Haemoglobin Phenotype
    - Sickle Solubility Test

  1. TURNAROUND TIME

    For most biomarkers our usual turnaround time is 24-48 hours, or less, from the time your sample is in our lab. We do not wait for all the results to complete before sending them to you, so you may start receiving results the same day for most cases, or as results become available.

    We are extremely proud of our very short turnaround times and a very efficient laboratory processes. Whilst we accommodate the shortest of time scales, with some results available within hours, for this particular test the usual turnaround time is:


    15 days

Doctor's notes

Hi, I am Dr. Adam Staten and here's my view on this test as a GP and Clinical Director at One Day Tests.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia are hereditary blood disorders that can be passed down through generations. If you carry the sickle cell or thalassemia gene, there is a risk of transmitting these conditions to your offspring.

Both SCD and thalassemia impact hemoglobin, a vital component of blood responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Individuals with these conditions usually require medical attention throughout their lifetimes to manage and address the associated health challenges.

Red flag symptoms for the Sickle Cell Blood Test

Even if the blood test is normal, you should still see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms below. 

  • Episodes of pain. Periodic episodes of extreme pain
  • Swelling of hands and feet.
  • Frequent infections.
  • Vision problems.

Your Results and Health Dashboard

The results of your Sickle Cell Blood Test will be emailed to you as a secured PDF file, ready for your GP and will also be uploaded to our Health Dashboard area of the website. It’s a unique and powerful tool, powered by our in-house clinical analysis research, to match your biomarkers across test panels and symptoms, as well as provide clinical commentary on all individual biomarkers you tested for.

The health dashboard will also provide "panel level" commentary - a birds eye view of the biomarkers that were tested. This feature allows you to view your test results and clinical commentary, and compare them to previous results, giving you a clear understanding of how your health is progressing.

By using the Health Dashboard, you can identify changes in your biomarkers and make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle. This added value is immense, as it empowers you to monitor your health and make informed decisions about your well-being.

It's free and is available with all of our tests.

Save on continuous monitoring with our subscription plan

The best way to look after your health is to do so regularly. This is easy to do with our continual monitoring plans which give you a discount on future blood tests. You choose the frequency and we'll do the rest.

When you purchase a subscription, we will deliver your home test kits or allow you to book appointments in line with your chosen frequency. You will be able to track your biomarkers over time in our powerful Health Dashboard, where results will be automatically updated for you. There is a minimum of 3 tests with any subscription, after which you can pause/restart/cancel at any time.

Special instructions

Hi, I am Stefania Brown, I am the Laboratory Manager at One Day Tests and here are the lab's special requests for the Sickle Cell Blood Test.

You need to be well hydrated for this test.

Venepuncture appointment - how to prepare

If you are coming into one of our clinics for the test, this is what you need to do before you arrive:

  • Drink plenty of water about an hour before the appointment.
  • Avoid coffee/tea/energy drinks. Water is good!
  • That’s it! We’ll do the rest.

Home test kit for Sickle Cell Blood Test - how it works

Our blood test kits are simple and convenient.

The most important step in doing a blood test at home is to read the instructions very carefully. The process is very simple, but there are a few pitfalls you need to be aware of - you will save yourself a lot of time if you do it right the first time around!

  • Full printed instructions will arrive with your kit - please read them carefully.
  • Drink plenty before taking the sample and warm your hands up in the sink with warm water for a few minutes. This will make your blood flow much better.
  • Fill the tubes to the top line. We don’t need much blood; filling tubes to the top line is about 15 drops of blood.
  • Post the samples on the same day you take them, before midday, Monday to Thursday. If you post it any other time it might get to us late or be stuck at a sorting office over the weekend. You will then have to do it again.
  • Package the sample in the same box the kit came in. Otherwise, Royal Mail or DPD will reject it. The sample tubes go into a pouch, then into a cardboard box, and then into a return envelope. All of this is provided in the kit: please use it.

We look forward to receiving your sample in our lab!

How the finger prick home test kit for Sickle Cell Blood Test works - from Dr. Adam Staten

Why choose us?

Hello! My name is Dr. Vinesh Mistry, I am part of the GP team here at One Day Tests and here is why you should trust us to test your blood.

We run our own regulated laboratories and our own accredited clinics. We manufacture our own approved home sample collection kits. Your results are looked after by our fantastic clinical governance team and our super-talented biomedical science team.

When you book your test with us - you book directly with the lab. This means accuracy and responsible duty of care, direct access to the provider and extremely fast turnaround times.

Finally, our customer services rock! You can ask the lab a question any time or you can speak to a real human. It's good to WhatsApp, email on hello@onedaytests.com or give us a call on 0845 527 07 67.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hi, I am Lana Nela, Lead Nurse, and here is what we are frequently asked about this test.

What is haemoglobin A0?

Hemoglobin A0 (HbA0) is the most common and normal form of hemoglobin found in healthy adults. It is also referred to as adult hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body`s tissues and organs.

Hemoglobin A0 consists of four protein subunits, two alpha (α) globin chains and two beta (β) globin chains, each bound to an iron-containing heme molecule. The combination of these subunits allows hemoglobin to efficiently bind and transport oxygen. Hemoglobin A0 makes up approximately 95-98% of the total hemoglobin in healthy adult red blood cells.

What is haemoglobin A2?

In addition to Hemoglobin A0, there are other forms of hemoglobin that can be found in the human body, including:

Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2): This is another minor form of adult hemoglobin, typically making up around 2-3% of total hemoglobin. Elevated levels of HbA2 can be associated with certain types of thalassemia, a group of genetic blood disorders.

Why take this test?

Hi, I am Dr. Marco Esposito and here is why it's important to take this test.
  • If you are concerned that your symptoms may be pointing to sickle cell or thalassaemia.
  • If you have a family history of sickle cell disease.

Is this test right for you?

Hi, I am Sandeep Patel, I am the Laboratory Director at One Day Tests. Here are the symptoms that you may wish to address with this test.

Sickle cell screening is a proactive step to assess your risk, make informed decisions about family planning, and ensure the well-being of your future children if you are a carrier of thalassemia gene mutations.

It is typically recommended for people with a family history of thalassemia or if you are experiencing related symptoms.

  1. SYMPTOMS AND TAGS

    Frequent infections, Joint pain, Muscle pain, Painful ejaculation, and Sickle cell

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Why blood tests are important.