WHAT IS SICKLE CELL?
Sickle cell is the disorder that affects the red blood cells which contain a special protien called haemoglobin (Hb for short). The function of the haemoglobin is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.
Normal haemoglobin (HbA) allows the oxygen into the tissues and allows the blood cells to be donut-shaped that bend and flex easily being able to circulate in the body easily. People with Sickle Cell Amemia (HbS) are different because when sickle haemoglobin gives up its oxygen to the tissues, it sticks together to form long rods inside the red blood cells making them rigid and sickle-shaped. This leads to the red blood cells not being able to squeeze through small blood vessels easily. The small blood vessels then become blocked that then stops oxygen from getting through to where it is needed, causing sverere pain and damage to organs. Another problem is that red blood cells containing sickle haemoglobin do not live as long as the normal 120 days and this can result in a chronic state of anaemia.
Everyone has two copies of the gene for haemoglobin; one from their mother and one from their father. A person who have Sickle Cell disease (SCD) inherits abnormal haemoglobin (Hbs) from both parents carrying the Sickle Cell Trait (HbS/HbA). People with Sickle Cell suffer from severe pain known as 'crises'. Over time, Sickle Cell can damage organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart, and spleen. In extreme cases, Sickle Cell can lead to death.
SCD FACTS
Who is affected by Sickle Cell?
How many people in the UK are affected?
The disorder mainly affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean and Asian origin. In the UK, sickle cell disorders are most commonly seen in African and Caribbean people
In England, about 250,000 people are thought to have the sickle cell trait, with those of African-Caribbean origin primarily affected
Can I catch Sickle Cell?
Testing unborn babies
All babies born in the UK are offered screening for sickle cell anaemia as part of the newborn blood spot test (also know as the heel prick test).
Treatment
You cannot 'catch' Sickle Cell. Sickle Cell is an inherited disease.
Sickle Cell Society
If you or your child is diagnosed with Sickle Cell you will be reffered to a care team in a specialist sickle cell centre. Medical care will be drawn up and you'll be given information and support to help you manage you or your child’s condition.
There are numerous websites and services that offer information and support for people affected by Sickle Cell disease.
Sickle Cell Society is a local support group in London
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I CARRY THE TRAIT?
1
Sickle Cell Trait
Everyone has two copies of the gene for haemoglobin; one from their mother and one from their father. If one of these genes carries the instructions to make sickle haemoglobin (HbS) and the other carries the instructions to make normal haemoglobin (HbA) then the person is a carrier of the Sickle Cell Trait (HbA/HbS).
2
What happens if i carry the trait?
People who carry Sickle Cell trait do not experience the affects of having Sickle Cell and live a normal life because they have enough normal haemoglobin in their red blood cells to keep their cells flexible. However they do have to be careful when doing things where there is less oxygen than normal. If you and your partner both carry the trait and have a child, then there is a one in four chance that the child will inherit Sickle Cell disease.
3
​How can I get tested?
Because carrying the Sickle Cell Trait is undetectable it is important that you get tested for future purposes, especially if you are looking to start a family. The procedure of a test is a blood test that checks your haemoglobin, the test is less than 5 minutes long and is painless.
For more information of your local sickle cell and thalassemia test centres