Pacific · Sickle Cell Anemia Screening Test
Sickle Cell Anemia Screening Test in California
Below is a plain-language overview of the sickle cell anemia screening test. A sickle cell anemia screening test checks whether you carry the gene for sickle cell disease or have the condition itself. It uses a blood sample and results are usually ready in a few business days.
Lab requirements in California
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Sickle Cell Anemia Screening Test in CA. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Fasting is required for this test — follow the collection lab's instructions.
- Preparation
- No special preparation is usually needed, but follow the instructions provided by the collection lab. If you have questions about fasting or medications, ask the lab directly.
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
This test examines hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, to look for an abnormal form called hemoglobin S. Hemoglobin S can cause red blood cells to become stiff and sickle-shaped, which may lead to health problems. Screening can show whether a person has sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease, or neither.
What it measures
- Hemoglobin S — Presence indicates sickle cell trait or disease
- Hemoglobin A — Normal hemoglobin; its amount helps distinguish trait from disease
- Hemoglobin F — Fetal hemoglobin, sometimes measured to assess severity
- Hemoglobin C — Another abnormal hemoglobin that may be detected
What the test involves
A healthcare professional collects a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm, using a standard blood draw. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test to check for sickle cell trait or disease, especially if there is a family history or symptoms such as unexplained pain or anemia. It is also commonly offered before or during pregnancy to assess the chance of passing the condition to a child.
Preparation
No special preparation is usually needed, but follow the instructions provided by the collection lab. If you have questions about fasting or medications, ask the lab directly.
How results are reported
Results are typically reported as positive or negative for hemoglobin S, or as a description of the hemoglobin types found. Reference ranges and reporting formats can vary by laboratory, so your clinician will interpret the findings in your specific context.
Before you go
- Whether any special preparation is needed for your sample collection
- How and when you will receive your test results
- Whether your insurance covers this screening test
Cities
Sickle Cell Anemia Screening Test in California communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.