If someone has a family history of sickle cell anemia or other sickle cell diseases, close relatives should be tested for sickle cell and other beta-globin traits. If a close relative has signs or symptoms suspicious for sickle cell anemia, diagnostic testing should be performed even if their newborn screen was normal.
If someone has sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait and they are concerned about having offspring with sickle cell anemia or other sickle cell diseases, their reproductive partner should be tested for sickle cell and other beta-globin traits. This testing can be coordinated through a general medical practitioner. If the couple desires further discussion about the risks for these disorders in their offspring, they should be referred for a formal genetic counseling session. A genetic counselor could meet with the couple prior to or during a pregnancy to better discuss their offspring’s risk as well as the couple’s reproductive and testing options. To find a nearby genetic counselor, one can search here.
