Welcome to the Sickle CellCOUNSELLING
For individuals diagnosed with Trait/Carrier Status for abnormal haemoglobin.
Type of counselling offered
This is genetic counselling for individuals who have inherited abnormal haemoglobin. There are three different categories according to the outcome of the blood test/screening process.
Haemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells. Its job is to pick up oxygen molecules when blood is travelling through the lungs, and then release the oxygen in different parts of the body where it is needed. Haemoglobin is abbreviated as Hb.
Normal means that the individual has inherited normal haemoglobin genes and this is written as Hb AA
Carrier means that the individual has inherited an abnormal haemoglobin gene, and this is written as HbA?. (Where the question mark refers to the abnormal gene e.g. S, D, E, or Beta Thalassaemia could be written here, and many others.)
Trait means the same as Carrier. HbAS indicates the individual has inherited Sickle Cell Trait.
Disorder means that the individual has inherited two abnormal haemoglobin genes, and this is written as Hb??. (The question mark refers to the abnormal genes e.g. S, D, E, Beta Thalassaemia and many others)
HbSS (Sickle Cell Anaemia) means the individual has inherited Sickle Cell Anaemia, one of the Sickle Cell Disorders.
Booking a counselling session
You can book a session though a telephone call or drop in to the centre. This is arranged at your convenience to make sure you have enough time to discuss fully how the result may affect your life or that of your children.
Screening information
For detailed information – click here
Pathway
For detailed information – click here
For further details, click on the following links:
Both Partners Carry Beta Thalassaemia