Sickle Cell Test (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HYSC

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1502

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Collect 1x 1ml EDTA (Lavendar cap) blood sample.

Transport

Transport at ambient temperature (8-24°C).

Registration

Please register test code HYSC and SKLC.

Separating

Associated Tests

• Haemoglobinopathy Screen (Blood)

Synonyms

Haemoglobin S
HB S

Turnaround Time

1 day

If urgent, please contact the laboratory on ext 22065 (out of hours ext 22069) and a provisional diagnosis can be made available in 1 hour.

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

1

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)

Test Method

Manual process-The sickling phenomenon is demonstrated by depriving the red cells of oxygen; then observing them for sickling. Sodium metabisulphite is the agent used to reduce the oxygen tension in this test, allowing the red cells to sickle. The rapidity of the reaction will vary with the amount of haemoglobin S present in the cells.

Limitations / Interference

Clotted or Hemolyzed: Clotted, grossly hemolyzed, or separated plasma samples may be rejected.
A recent blood transfusion within the preceding 3 to 4 months can cause false-negative screening results.
Infants under 6 months old may yield false negatives due to high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF).

Uncertainty of Measurement

False negatives

Contact Information