How Do Sickle Cells Differ From Normal Cells
A serious blood disorder called, Sickle Cell Anemia is characterized by “Sickle-shaped” red blood cells…they look like the letter C. These abnormal red blood cells are stiff and sticky and this is why they tend to form in clumps and get stuck in blood vessels as they stick together forming a blockage which doesn’t allow them or healthy cells to pass. When this blockage of blood flow occurs the limbs or organs being blocked do not receive the blood flow they are suppose to get and will therefore lack for oxygen which can be critical creating an unhealthy situation.
The shape of the cell is just one way that the abnormal sickle-cell differs from a normal red blood cell. The normal red blood cell is disc-shaped and looks like a doughnut that still has a hole. Normal red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein called protein hemoglobin. The purpose of the red blood cell is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Sickle cells are not only shaped different because instead of shaped like discs they are shaped like the letter C, they contain abnormal hemoglobin too.
Normal red blood cells flow easily through the blood vessels and abnormal sickle cells get stuck disrupting the normal flow of blood through the blood vessels.
Approximately 2 million Americans have the trait for sickle cell with the condition actually occurring in 1 out of every 12 African Americans. If your family ancestry came from South or Central America, especially Panama, Africa, Caribbean islands, and any of the Mediterranean countries like Greece, Italy and turkey, Saudi Arabia or India you may be at risk for Sickle cell anemia.
It is important to have early diagnosis so that prompt and proper treatment can be started. To meet this requirement for safety, the United States has a mandate for newborn screening for Sickle Cell Anemia. The hospital where the newborn is delivered at will make sure that the baby is scheduled for this screening and the results of the test will be sent to the pediatrician noted on the child’s medical record. If this initial test shows some sickle hemoglobin, then a second blood test is done to confirm the diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia. Usually both tests are done before the baby is one month of age. A hematologist may take over the care of your baby after the first blood test results so that the 2nd test results can be monitored and proper treatment started if the 2nd test is also positive for Sickle Cell Anemia.
There is nothing that can be done to prevent Sickle Cell Anemia because it is an inherited disease. You can take steps to reduce complications from the disease by getting early diagnosis and treatment. Couple at risk for Sickle Cell Anemia can have genetic testing and genetic counseling before they marry or try to conceive.
Recommended Reading
- The Blood Disorder Sickle Cell Disease
- Do You Know About Sickle Cell Anemia
- Faqs About Sickle Cell Disease
- The Connection Between White Blood Cells And Blood Disorders
- Understanding Blood Disorders
