The Sickle Cell Association of Austin-Marc Thomas Foundation
Our Mission: To enhance and improve the quality of life for individuals and their families
living with sickle cell disease serving as a bridge for help and hope.
Our Mission: To enhance and improve the quality of life for individuals and their families
living with sickle cell disease serving as a bridge for help and hope.
Sickle Cell Trait
What is sickle cell trait?
Interesting Facts About trait
What is sickle cell trait?
- Sickle cell trait is an inherited blood condition. It is not a disease.
- Sickle cell trait is passed from parents to their children. If both parents have sickle
cell trait there is a 25% chance that their child will have sickle cell disease. - Many people from different ethnic backgrounds can have sickle cell trait. This
includes African Americans, Hispanics, Greeks, Italians, Asians, Caucasians and
others.
- People with sickle cell trait normally have no symptoms or problems and they lead
completely normal lives. - Rarely some may experience fatigue, joint pain and shortness of breath in high
altitudes.
- A simple blood test can determine if you have sickle cell trait by your doctor
- If you were born in Texas after November 1, 1983 you may get your newborn test
result by contacting your birth doctor or your birth hospital.
Interesting Facts About trait
- New studies have found that sometimes people who have trait are often
misdiagnosed with Diabetes. This means that people with trait sometimes are
diagnosed with Diabetes when in fact they do not have it. For more information visit
the National Diabetes Clearing House website:
- http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hemovari-A1C/index.htm.
- Here is the PDF version of the article