Sickling, Screening Test
About Sickling, Screening Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Sickle Cell Test, Sickle Cell Screening Test, Sickling Test, Emmel Test, HbS Test |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | All ages; people with a family history of sickle cell disease, those from high-risk ethnic groups, pre-operative screening, newborn screening, premarital and prenatal counselling |
| Price | Starting at ₹250 |
What Is a Sickling Screening Test?
The Sickling Screening Test is a blood test that checks for the presence of haemoglobin S (HbS), an abnormal form of haemoglobin linked to sickle cell disease and the sickle cell trait. A small sample of whole blood is collected and examined for changes in the shape of red blood cells. The test is also known as the Sickle Cell Test, Emmel Test, or HbS Test. Doctors order it when sickle cell disease or carrier status needs to be ruled out or confirmed.
What Does a Sickling Screening Test Measure?
The Sickling Screening test looks at red blood cells under a microscope after exposing them to low-oxygen conditions. Under these conditions, red blood cells carrying haemoglobin S change from their normal round, disc shape into a sickle (crescent) shape. The test records whether this change occurs.
| Parameter | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| Haemoglobin S (HbS) | Presence of abnormal haemoglobin that causes red blood cells to sickle |
| Red Blood Cell Morphology | Shape change from round to sickle form under low oxygen conditions |
The test reports a simple positive or negative result. It cannot measure the exact amount of HbS present, so a follow-up confirmatory test is needed if the result is positive.
Why Is a Sickling Screening Test Done?
This test is used to screen individuals who may carry or be affected by sickle cell disease. It is a simple, quick way to identify those who need further investigation.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the Sickle Cell Screening Test if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained anaemia (low red blood cell count)
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Periodic episodes of severe pain, particularly in the chest, abdomen, or joints
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Delayed growth in infants and children
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Sickling Screening test can help identify the following conditions:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD)
- Sickle cell trait (carrier status)
- The need for confirmatory testing, such as haemoglobin electrophoresis or HPLC
It is also used in pre-operative assessments, blood donor screening, and newborn screening programmes.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Fasting is not required for the Sickling Screening test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. No dietary restrictions apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few simple steps to help ensure an accurate result:
- Inform your doctor if you have had a blood transfusion within the past three to four months, as this can affect the result.
- Let your doctor know about any medications you are currently taking.
- Stay well hydrated before the test.
- Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that are easy to roll up for blood collection.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the Sickling Screening test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A fine needle is used to draw approximately 2 mL of blood from a vein, collected into a lavender-topped EDTA tube.
- A small drop of blood is mixed with a reducing agent (sodium metabisulphite) on a glass slide to create low-oxygen conditions.
- A coverslip is placed over the slide, and the edges are sealed.
- The slide is observed under a microscope. The technician checks whether red blood cells have changed into a sickle shape.
- The sample is labelled, stored under refrigeration, and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis and reporting.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may lead to inaccurate results. Be aware of the following:
- Recent blood transfusions (within the past three to four months) can dilute HbS levels and cause a false-negative result.
- In infants under six months of age, high levels of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) may mask the presence of HbS.
- Severe anaemia (haematocrit at or below 15%) can produce false positive or false negative results.
- Conditions such as erythrocytosis (high red cell count), hyperglobulinaemia (excess proteins in the blood), extreme leucocytosis (very high white cell count), or hyperlipidaemia (high blood fat levels) may cause false positive results.
- Iron deficiency may affect the reliability of the result.
Understanding Your Sickling, Screening Test Results
Results are reported as either negative or positive. The table below explains what each outcome may indicate:
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative | No haemoglobin S detected; sickle cell disease or trait is unlikely |
| Positive | HbS detected; may indicate sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease; confirmatory testing required |
A positive result alone cannot tell the difference between sickle cell trait (one copy of the HbS gene) and sickle cell disease (two copies or compound forms). Further tests, such as haemoglobin electrophoresis or HPLC, are required for a confirmed diagnosis.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- Patients who have received a red cell transfusion within the past four months should not be tested, as results may be falsely negative.
- Infants under six months should not be tested using this method. Foetal haemoglobin levels are very high at birth and decline gradually, potentially masking HbS. A newborn screening result should be referred to instead.
- Patients with very high red cell counts, high protein levels, or high blood fat levels may receive false positive results due to a reaction in the sample.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness tips may be helpful, particularly for carriers of the sickle cell trait:
- Drink adequate water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can reduce the risk of a sickle cell pain episode.
- Avoid extreme physical exertion at high altitudes and inform healthcare providers about your sickle cell status before any surgical procedure.
- If you are planning a family, consider genetic counselling to understand the inheritance risks for your children.
Lupin Diagnostics Sickling, Screening Test Price and Home Collection
The Sickling Screening test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹250, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 250 |
| CHENNAI | 250 |
| HYDERABAD | 250 |
| KOLKATA | 250 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 250 |
| PUNE | 250 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
The Sickling Screening test online booking process at Lupin Diagnostics is simple:
- Select the Sickling, Screening Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Sickling Screening test home collection is available across multiple cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is delivered directly to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sickling Screening test detects the presence of abnormal haemoglobin S in red blood cells. It helps identify whether a person has sickle cell disease or is a carrier of the sickle cell trait. A positive result requires follow-up testing for confirmation.
No. The Sickle Cell Screening Test only confirms whether haemoglobin S is present or absent. It cannot distinguish between sickle cell trait (carrier) and sickle cell disease. Haemoglobin electrophoresis or HPLC is needed for that level of detail.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test.
A recent blood transfusion is the most common reason for a false negative. Transfused normal red blood cells reduce the proportion of HbS in the blood, making the result appear negative even if HbS is present. Iron deficiency and testing in infants under six months can also cause false negatives.
The test is recommended for people with unexplained fatigue, anaemia, or recurrent pain episodes. It is particularly useful for those with a family history of sickle cell disease, individuals from high-risk ethnic groups (including African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent), and those undergoing pre-operative assessment or premarital counselling.
A positive result means haemoglobin S has been detected, but it does not confirm the diagnosis on its own. Your doctor will recommend confirmatory tests such as haemoglobin electrophoresis, HPLC, or genetic testing. These tests will clarify whether you have the sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease and guide any further steps.
Sickling, Screening Test
