Sickle Cell FAQ
What is Sickle Cell?
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. Normal blood cells have a bi-concave disc shape (donut) whereas cells affected by Sickle Cell have a crescent moon shape (or a sickle). This often leads to crisis, which is a series of constant pain, agony and anaemia.
Is Sickle Cell Contagious?
Since Sickle Cell is inherited, it cannot be passed on from one person to another through physical contact. It’s a genetic disease meaning it can only be passed from parents to children
What is Sickle Cell Trait?
If you carry the Sickle Cell Trait that means you have inherited the gene for Sickle Cell. Sickle cell trait does not turn into sickle cell disease. If someone has sickle cell trait and his partner has sickle cell trait they may produce a child with sickle cell disease
Is there a cure?
As of now, there is now universal cure for Sickle Cell. Gene therapy and editing research are currently underway. Certain patients may be eligible for a Bone Marrow Transplant and therefore have a chance of being cured.
Is testing important?
Testing is important as it lets you know if you, or your partner are carrying the Sickle Cell Trait. This allows you to know the risk of having a baby with Sickle Cell Disease