Health encyclopaedia

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Diagnosis of Sickle-cell anaemia

Diagnosis depends on family history, the symptoms, and the sickling test.

A drop of blood is placed on a microscope slide and a drop of 2 per cent sodium metabisulphite is added. The mixture is covered by a slip and the edges sealed with petroleum jelly to exclude air. After one hour the red cells are examined.

Because the sodium metabisulphite extracts all the oxygen from the haemoglobin, cells that carry the sickling gene will be seen to have changed their shape to the characteristic sickled appearance.

All babies of African descent should be tested at birth.  Testing should also be carried out in people at risk before giving them a general anaesthetic.

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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