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Sickle Cell Screen
129.00
The Sickle Cell Screen is a blood test used to detect sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. It is commonly used for screening, diagnosis, and genetic counselling purposes.
Turnaround time
5 days
Biomarkers count
1
Same-Day Appointments
UKAS Accredited Labs
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Under 18? Patients under 18 can only be seen at GB Medlabs and Clinilabs, Monday to Friday only.
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Details about Sickle Cell Screen
What is the Sickle Cell Screen?
The Sickle Cell Screen is a blood test that checks for the presence of abnormal haemoglobin known as haemoglobin S (HbS). This abnormal haemoglobin can cause red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped under certain conditions.
The test is used as an initial screening tool to identify individuals who may carry the sickle cell gene (sickle cell trait) or have sickle cell disease. If the screening result is positive, further confirmatory testing may be recommended.
Clinically, this test is used in routine screening, investigation of anaemia, and genetic risk assessment.
Why do I need a Sickle Cell Screen?
Sickle cell conditions are inherited and may not cause symptoms in carriers. However, identifying carrier status is important for family planning, pregnancy screening, and understanding potential health risks.
The test is also used when symptoms suggest a haemoglobin disorder or when screening is required for medical, occupational, or insurance purposes.
You may need a Sickle Cell Screen if you:
- Have a family history of sickle cell disease
- Are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant
- Belong to a higher-risk ethnic background
- Have unexplained anaemia or fatigue
- Require screening for work, travel, or medical clearance
- Want to know your genetic carrier status
Benefits of the Sickle Cell Screen
- Identifies sickle cell trait or disease
Detects the presence of haemoglobin S. - Supports early diagnosis
Enables prompt referral and management if needed. - Important for family planning
Helps assess genetic risk for future children. - Simple and quick blood test
Requires only a small blood sample. - Supports pregnancy screening
Often used in antenatal care. - Helps explain unexplained anaemia
Useful in diagnostic workups. - Guides further genetic testing
Indicates need for confirmatory haemoglobin analysis. - Provides reassurance when negative
Confirms absence of HbS in most cases.
Step-by-step – How we offer this test
Option 1: Clinic-based blood test (UK-wide)
- Choose your nearest UK clinic
- Attend your appointment
- A clinician draws a blood sample
- Sample analysed for sickle haemoglobin
Option 2: Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)
- A qualified phlebotomist comes to your location
- Blood sample taken at home or in your hotel
- No travel required
- Same laboratory processing and reporting
Your results explained
Negative Sickle Cell Screen
A negative result means no haemoglobin S detected.
Typical UK interpretation:
- Normal haemoglobin pattern
This suggests you do not have sickle cell trait or disease.
Positive Sickle Cell Screen
A positive result indicates the presence of haemoglobin S.
Typical UK interpretation:
- HbS detected
This may indicate sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease, and confirmatory testing is usually required to distinguish between the two.
Indeterminate results
Occasionally, results may be unclear and require repeat or more specific testing.
Typical UK interpretation:
- Further haemoglobin analysis recommended
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
1
Book Online
Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
2
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
3
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
Take control of your health with London Blood Tests
WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a screening test. Positive results usually require confirmatory testing.
It means you carry one sickle cell gene but usually do not have symptoms.
Most carriers are healthy, but rare complications can occur.
Yes. It is commonly used in antenatal screening.
No. Fasting is not required.
Yes. It can be used in children and adults.
Yes. Results are important for family planning decisions.
Turnaround times vary, but results are usually available within a few days.
Yes. All results are handled confidentially.
Yes. Both clinic-based and home testing are available across the UK.
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