This test is designed to identify the presence of sickle cell anemia in the mother. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease and has the highest incidence (1 in 400) among people of African descent.
The disease is caused by defective hemoglobinA complex protein-iron compound which forms part of the red blood cells. Hemoglobin carry oxygen to the cells and return carbon dioxide to the lungs.
Concentration of hemoglobin is different for men and women, with levels of 14 - 18 g/dl and 12 - 16 g/dl respectively. It has a structure which consists of 2 chains one with 141 amino acids and the other with 146. Any alteration in the the chains of just one amino acid alters the hemoglobin properties and is associated with sickle cell anemia.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. in the bone marrow creating sickle shaped red blood cellsA concave disk containing hemoglobin surrounded by a lipoid membrane. It is the major cellular element of the circulating blood and it serves primarily to transport oxygen. The number of red blood cells is about 4 and 4.5 million per cubic millimeter in women (4.5 and 5 million per cubic millimeter in men).
The average lifespan of a red blood cell is between 110 and 115 days after which it is removed from the bloodstream. New red blood cells are produced at about the rate of 1% daily to keep levels constant. Red blood cells originate in the marrow of long bones. Also called erythrocytes.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. These blood cells break down, clogging the smaller blood vessels which may result in stroke. People who have sickle cell anemia are susceptible to serious infections including meningitis and are protected against malaria. Careful health management is required, but a full and productive life is possible.
Sickle cell anemia is screened as part of the routine maternal blood test you will have received during your first prenatal visit.
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Genetic counselors, with training in both genetics and psychology, examine the risk of genetic diseases and advise mothers about their risks in pregnancy. If the risks are considered acceptable the sickle cell screen will be performed during your first prenatal visit. Testing will determine whether one or both parents are carriers of the disease.
There are few, if any, risks associated with this test.
The test is performed during the first prenatal visit as part of the routine blood screening tests.
If the test indicates that your are a carrier of the disease, the father of the baby will also be checked. If both parents suffer from the disease chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is offered to determine whether the baby has sickle cell anemia.
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