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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Sickle Cell Anemia: Diagnosis & Tests
      Category : Health Centers > Blood Disorders and Lymphatic System

Sickle Cell Anemia

Alternate Names : Sickle Cell Trait

Sickle Cell Anemia | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the disease diagnosed?

The disease is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. A vital laboratory test is the peripheral blood smear. This test will show the characteristic sickle shape of some red blood cells. There is usually a very low red blood cell count. This is due to the breakdown of the red blood cells. White blood cells counts are often higher than normal. Liver function tests may be abnormal. A specialized test called hemoglobin electrophoresis will confirm the diagnosis. X-rays may show abnormal changes in bone, especially of the spine and hip.


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Sickle Cell Anemia: Symptoms & Signs

 

Sickle Cell Anemia: Prevention & Expectations

Author: Minot Cleveland, MD
Reviewer: Sandy Keefe, RN, MSN
Date Reviewed: 09/20/01



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