Sickle Cell Screen
Private Sickle Cell Screen in London for £129, detecting haemoglobin S with results expected in around 5 days.
Turnaround time
5 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Sickle Cell Screen Test
The Sickle Cell Screen checks for haemoglobin S, or HbS, the abnormal haemoglobin variant associated with sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.
The test assesses 1 haematology marker: Sickle Cells.
Sickle cell conditions are inherited disorders affecting haemoglobin, the protein inside red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.
HbS is produced because of a genetic change affecting the beta-globin component of haemoglobin.
A person who inherits one HbS gene and one usual beta-globin gene generally has sickle cell trait.
A person who inherits HbS together with another clinically significant beta-globin variant can have sickle cell disease.
A screening test is designed to determine whether HbS is present.
It does not necessarily distinguish sickle cell trait from sickle cell disease.
A positive screen therefore usually requires confirmatory haemoglobin analysis such as HPLC, capillary electrophoresis or haemoglobin electrophoresis.
The person's age, Full Blood Count and family history can also contribute to interpretation.
Recent blood transfusion is particularly important because donor red blood cells can temporarily alter the haemoglobin pattern.
Sickle cell trait usually causes no day-to-day symptoms.
Sickle cell disease is very different and can cause chronic anaemia, episodes of severe pain, increased infection risk and complications affecting multiple organs.
The test can be used during family planning, pregnancy assessment, pre-operative investigation or where carrier status needs clarification.
What Does the Sickle Cell Screen Test Check?
The test screens for the presence of haemoglobin S associated with sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease. This test measures 1 biomarker.
Sickle Cells
Screens for haemoglobin S, the abnormal haemoglobin variant associated with sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.
Who May Benefit From the Sickle Cell Screen Test?
Screening can be useful for family planning, investigation of anaemia and clarification of carrier status.
People who want to know whether they carry haemoglobin S - Screening can identify possible sickle cell trait.
People with a family history of sickle cell disease or trait - Inherited risk is higher when a close relative carries HbS.
Couples planning a pregnancy - Carrier information can be important when assessing the risk to future children.
Pregnant people requiring haemoglobinopathy assessment - Sickle cell screening can form part of antenatal investigation.
People with unexplained anaemia and relevant family or ancestry history - Haemoglobin variants can contribute to anaemia.
People who previously received an uncertain haemoglobin result - Repeat or confirmatory testing can clarify HbS status.
People requiring screening before selected procedures or medical treatment - Some clinical pathways request haemoglobinopathy status.
People specifically referred for haemoglobin S screening - A positive result can be followed by definitive haemoglobin analysis.
How to Prepare
Recent transfusion can make haemoglobin-variant testing difficult to interpret.
Do not delay clinically necessary treatment for the purpose of obtaining an untreated screening sample.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Sickle Cell Screen Test
Sickle cell trait usually causes no symptoms, while sickle cell disease can produce significant clinical problems.
A family history of sickle cell disease - Inherited haemoglobin variants can be passed between generations.
Unexplained chronic anaemia - Sickle cell disease can reduce red-cell lifespan.
Previous episodes of severe unexplained pain - Vaso-occlusive crises are a feature of sickle cell disease.
A previous positive newborn or haemoglobinopathy screen - Confirmatory testing may be required.
Pregnancy or family planning with unknown carrier status - Identifying haemoglobin variants can guide genetic counselling.
A partner known to carry sickle cell trait or another haemoglobin variant - Both partners' results influence reproductive risk.
A Sickle Cell Screen is an initial screening investigation.
A positive result requires confirmatory testing to distinguish sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease and other haemoglobin patterns.
Severe pain, chest symptoms, fever or acute illness in somebody with known sickle cell disease requires prompt medical assessment.
How to Book Your Sickle Cell Screen Test
The Sickle Cell Screen can be booked privately for assessment of haemoglobin S.
Choose the Sickle Cell Screen
Select the individual Sickle Cell Screen online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where suitable.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous whole-blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your sample undergoes screening for Sickle Cells and haemoglobin S.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and positive screens can be followed by confirmatory haemoglobin analysis.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current live London Blood Tests page lists a turnaround of approximately 5 days after laboratory receipt for the Sickle Cell Screen.
The sample undergoes haematology analysis, quality-control procedures and laboratory authorisation.
A positive screening result may require additional confirmatory testing before the haemoglobin pattern can be fully classified.
Understanding Your Results
A negative screen means haemoglobin S was not detected by the screening method.
This makes sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease involving HbS unlikely.
A positive screen means haemoglobin S has been detected or the screening reaction is consistent with HbS.
The result cannot reliably distinguish trait from disease by itself.
Confirmatory haemoglobin analysis is therefore usually required.
Additional testing can determine the proportions of HbA, HbS, HbF, HbA2 and other haemoglobin variants.
A recent blood transfusion can alter these proportions and complicate interpretation.
Genetic testing may occasionally be required where the haemoglobin pattern remains unclear.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private sickle cell screening for carrier, family-planning and clinical assessment.
Screens directly for HbS - The test looks for the haemoglobin variant responsible for sickling.
Useful for carrier-status assessment - Screening can identify people who may have sickle cell trait.
Relevant to family planning - Haemoglobin status can inform reproductive risk assessment.
Useful during pregnancy assessment - Haemoglobinopathy status can be clinically important for both parent and baby.
Can guide confirmatory testing - Positive results can be followed by haemoglobin electrophoresis or equivalent analysis.
Current 5-day turnaround - The live London Blood Tests page lists results in approximately 5 days.
Professional blood collection - Clinic and suitable home or hotel phlebotomy appointments are available.
Clear pricing - The Sickle Cell Screen costs £129.
Private Sickle Cell Screen Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Sickle Cell Screen testing for people requiring assessment for haemoglobin S.
The test costs £129 and assesses 1 haematology marker.
Results are expected approximately 5 days after laboratory receipt.
A positive screen should be confirmed with more detailed haemoglobin analysis before trait or disease status is determined.