SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) diagnosis relies on identifying abnormal hemoglobin (HbS) via blood tests like the Solubility Test (quick screening for HbS presence), Hemoglobin Electrophoresis (quantifies Hb types), and Genetic Testing (confirms the gene mutation). Diagnosis often starts with newborn screening (heel/finger prick) but can happen anytime, involving CBC, reticulocyte counts to see disease impact, and sometimes imaging (MRI, Doppler) for complications, with prenatal testing also available.