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Sickling Test

Dr. ReshmaLast Updated on 11th February 2022

A Sickling test is used to screen for sickle cell diseases or sickle cell traits. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease that causes the RBCs to be deformed. Healthy RBCs are biconcave disc-shaped blood components that carry oxygen to different body parts. But, in a patient with sickle cell disorder, their RBCs are irregularly shaped like a crescent sickle (C - shaped farming tool), hence the name Sickle cell disorder. An irregularly shaped RBCs have reduced capabilities to carry oxygen, making the person anaemic. People with Sickle cell disease have aberrant haemoglobin called haemoglobin S instead of the normal haemoglobin, called haemoglobin A. The Sickling test checks for the type of haemoglobin present in the blood.

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What is the Sickling Test used for?

A sickling test is used to diagnose Sickle cell diseases such as

Sickle Cell Anaemia.
Haemoglobin SB+ (beta) thalassemia.
Haemoglobin SC disease.
To screen newborns for sickle cell traits etc.

What is included in the Sickling Test?

The sickling test is a fairly simple and widely used technique to diagnose sickle cell anaemia. It involves checking for the presence of aberrant haemoglobin S in the blood.

Procedure for Sickling Test

The procedure involves a simple blood test. A lab technician will visit your home to collect the blood sample. The blood sample will be collected using a syringe from a vein in your arm. All due safety measures such as sanitising your arm with an alcoholic or antiseptic solvent will be followed. you may feel a slight pain, but the pain goes away immediately. After the blood is withdrawn, a cotton swab or a bandage will be placed over the arm to prevent bleeding.

In a newborn baby, the blood sample is usually taken on a glass slide from the heel or the finger.

Book a Sickling test to check your Sickling level!

How to prepare for the Sickling Test?

Before the Test	During the Test
Sickling test does not require an overnight fast; you can eat and drink as usual. Consider wearing a half sleeve shirt or t-shirt so the lab technician can easily access your arm. However, consult your doctor before going for the test. Disclose any medication or therapy you are undergoing currently.	The lab technician will sanitise your arm to draw the blood sample. When the needle is injected, you may feel a slight sting, but the pain goes away almost immediately.

Things to consider after Sickling Test is complete

Following things need to be considered once the Sickling test is complete:

Use a cotton swab or a bandage over the arm to prevent bleeding.
You can also use an ice pack to ease the pain.
Consume iron-rich meals such as leafy green vegetables and iron-fortified cereals.
For any medical emergency, consult your doctor

*What types of infection can Sickling Test detect?

The main types of sickle cell anaemia diseases that can be detected by the sickling test are:

Haemoglobin SS disease: It occurs when both parents pass on their defective haemoglobin S genes to the progeny, resulting in the disease.
Haemoglobin SC disease: It occurs when you inherit the Hb C gene from one parent and the Hb S gene from the other.
Haemoglobin SB+ (beta) thalassemia: In this type, some normal beta haemoglobin is produced, but in reduced amounts. Because less beta protein is produced, the size of the red blood cell is lowered.The symptoms of this disease are less severe.
Haemoglobin SB 0 (Beta-zero) thalassemia: It exhibits symptoms comparable to Hb SS anaemia. The symptoms of beta zero thalassemias can be very severe.
Haemoglobin SD, haemoglobin SE, and haemoglobin SO: These varieties of sickle cell disease are less common and usually do not cause severe symptoms.
Sickle cell trait: People with sickle cell trait only receive a mutated gene (haemoglobin S) from one parent. They may have no symptoms or have minor symptoms.

How much does the Sickling Test cost?*

Depending upon the lab and the city, the sickling test can cost anywhere between Rs. 100 and Rs. 3000. Price range for the test in some of the major cities have been given below:

City	Average Price	Starting Price	Price Upto
Ahmedabad	Rs. 364.00	Rs. 165.00	Rs. 800.00
Amritsar	Rs. 222.00	Rs. 100.00	Rs. 500.00
Bangalore	Rs. 230.00	Rs. 50.00	Rs. 600.00
Hyderabad	Rs. 242.00	Rs. 70.00	Rs. 1500.00
Jaipur	Rs. 350.00	Rs. 150.00	Rs. 1200.00
Kolkata	Rs. 341.00	Rs. 100.00	Rs. 550.00
Mumbai	Rs. 388.00	Rs. 120.00	Rs. 3000.00
Delhi	Rs. 248.00	Rs. 100.00	Rs. 800.00
Pune	Rs. 318.00	Rs. 80.00	Rs. 950.00

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the Sickling Test?

You can expect to get the results for your test in 48 hours after the blood sample collection. The report will be updated on the MFine app. However, in certain cases, depending on location, medical advice and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal Sickling Test results indicate?

Abnormal Sickling test results indicate the presence of Haemoglobin S or sickle haemoglobin. Irregularly shaped haemoglobin means reduced capabilities of RBCs to transport oxygen in the body resulting in anaemia.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.

Is the Sickling Test a definitive test?

The Sickling test is a straightforward, reliable and definitive test for sickle cell anaemia. However, your doctor sometimes recommends “genetic testing” to confirm the disease.

How to read the Sickling Test report?

A Sickling test report comprises complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, Haemoglobin electrophoresis and sickle turbidity tests.

In the CBC report, haemoglobin levels less than 10 suggest anaemia.
The peripheral blood smear test checks for abnormalities in the shapes of RBCs and WBCs. Sickle-shaped RBCs suggest anaemia.
A haemoglobin electrophoresis test separates the blood into several bands of Haemoglobin. The presence of the HbS band suggests anaemia.
A positive sickle turbidity test is indicative of the presence of Haemoglobin S, suggesting anaemia.

Book a Sickling Test to check your sickling!

Why to book a Sickling Test?

A sickling test can be used to detect or assist in the diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia or to identify people who are sickle cell trait carriers. Testing can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Health screening— To screen for sickle cell anaemia and other haemoglobin abnormalities in a newborn baby.
Carrier screening— All pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should undergo a carrier screening to rule out any haemoglobin abnormalities..
General screening— Asymptomatic family members of someone with sickle cell trait or sickle cell sickness, as well as parents with an affected kid, could be tested for sickle cell trait.
Diagnosis of sickle cell disease

Sickling Test at home – how does it work?

Yes, a Sickling test can be performed in the privacy of your own home. You could download the MFine app and book any blood test online.

Contact us for a medical consultation by visiting our website or using the MFine app.
Select your symptoms or a specialised doctor to talk with. You can even consult a general physician who can understand your condition better.
Book a doctor appointment online, and a specialist will get in touch with you immediately.
During your consultation, ask a doctor online about your symptoms, problems, condition, medication, and other concerns.
Online doctor consultation at MFine may require you to submit previous medical records, lab results, etc., so the doctor can better understand your condition.
Following the teleconsultation, you can schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor.
The MFine app also allows you to order medications online.

Are there any risks involved with the Sickling Test?

A Sickling blood test requires a simple blood test which is relatively safe. You may feel lightheaded or faint during the test; therefore, eating a snack before the test is advisable.

What can affect the results of the Sickling Test?

The findings of the sickling test can be influenced by a variety of factors. Here are some of the factors that may affect the test results:

When the blood sample is taken within four months of blood transfusion, it could result in a faulty diagnosis.
When the sample is kept for too long, is exposed to heat or microbial contamination, or is left to dry during evaluation can affect your test results.
The reagent used to indicate sickling in RBC might lead to a faulty result. It is always advised to use a freshly prepared reagent and in a concentration of less than 2%.
Sometimes sickle cells can be confused with poikilocytes leading to a false result.

Book a Sickling Test to check your sickling level!

Our Trusted Lab Partners for Sickling Test

MFine Diagnostics

Starting at

₹490

Wellness Pathcare

Starting at

₹490

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Are MFine’s lab partners accredited?

Yes, all our lab partners are NABL (National Accreditation Board of Testing and Calibration of Laboratories) accredited labs. Thyrocare, Prima Diagnostics, Neuberg, Healthians are to name a few of our top lab partners. Most of our lab partners have state of the art infrastructure facilities.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my sickling test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on the sickling test?

Usually you can avail up to 50% discount on sickling tests through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

Is it possible to find out whether your kid has SCD or sickle cell trait when pregnant?

Yes. If either of the parents has SCD or sickle cell trait, one can get a prenatal test to see if their baby has SCD or sickle cell trait as well. One can choose from the following tests:

Chorionic villus sampling
Amniocentesis

If you’re thinking about getting one of these tests, consult with your clinician or a genetic counsellor.

Are there any challenges in pregnant women who have SCD?

Most women with SCD can have a safe pregnancy with adequate prenatal care. However, if you have SCD, you are more likely than other women to experience health issues throughout your pregnancy. These consequences include pain bouts, infections, and other issues.

What are the chances of a newborn developing SCD if both parents have sickle cell trait?

There is a 25% risk that the infant will have sickle cell disorder, and a 50% chance to just have the trait.

Who is susceptible to sickle cell disorder?

Anyone who can inherit Hb S gene mutations can have sickle cell disorder. However, some demographical data suggest it is more evidently seen in Africans and individuals with roots in the Mediterranean region, the Caribbean, the Middle East, India, and South and Central America.

Where does MFine provide at-home sickling test services?

With MFine, you can avail lab tests at home from all top cities of India like Bangalore. Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Noida, Gurgaon, Pune, and more. Choose your preferred lab partner from your city and get samples collected from your home.

What are the safety measures taken by MFine while performing lab tests at home?

Safety and social distancing are our top-most priorities, especially during the pandemic. The lab technician who visits your home for sample collection will be vaccinated and checked for symptoms before being assigned. Our technician will also be wearing masks and gloves to ensure safety.