What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic condition that is present at birth. In SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle.” The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant
shortage of red blood cells. Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious problems. It is inherited when a child receives two sickle beta- globin
genes—one from each parent. Therefore, a child can only have SCD when both of his/her parents have at least one abnormal beta-globin gene.plications of sickle cell disease.
What is the Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle cell trait (SCT) is not a disease, but an inherited blood condition. Which occurs when a person inherits a sickle hemoglobin gene from one parent and a standard (fully working) hemoglobin gene from the other parent. Therefore,
a person with one sickle hemoglobin gene is said to ‘carry’ SCT.
What is the difference between sickle cell disease and trait?
Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) is a carrier state of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). SCD results from the inheritance of two sickle hemoglobin genes, one from each parent, which causes normally round red blood cells to become curved or “sickle”
shape. When the sickled red blood cells travel through small blood vessels, they are more likely to become stuck and clog the blood flow to organs in the body. Since individuals with SCT have only one sickle hemoglobin gene, they
still make enough standard hemoglobin to prevent the cells from sickling. Without sickling, red blood cells are able to transport oxygen to tissues and organs in the body without becoming stuck in the small blood vessels. SCT is
NOT a milder form of SCD and individuals are at no higher risk for symptoms of SCD than anyone else.
Sickle cell disease and trait are inherited – they are passed from parents to children, like hair color or skin color. Sickle cell is not contagious – it can’t be caught like a cold or flu. People with sickle cell trait or disease are born with it, and will have it their whole lives. Sickle cell trait will never turn into disease. The genes that determine whether or not your blood cells will sickle are yours from birth and will never change.
National Initiatives
Hemoglobinopathy Registry SCDAA seeks the authorization of a Hemoglobinopathy Registry and Surveillance System at CDC, funded through the National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases (Division of
Healthcare Quality Promotion). The goal of this initiative is to establish a Hemoglobinopathies Data System (HDS) that will be used to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of SCD, thalassemia, and other hemoglobin
disorders in the U.S. This data can be used for research, information dissemination, policy decisions, and health care planning at the local, state, and national levels.
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America –
Mobile Chapter, Inc.
1453 Springhill Avenue
P.O. Box 40696
Mobile, AL 36604
Phone: 251-432-0301
Fax: 251-432-3347
mailto:info@scdmobile.org
SCDAA-Mobile Chapter is a United Way partner Agency and receives grant funding for laboratory and counseling services.
Hours of Operation
Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Laboratory Services (by Appointment Only)