How do you get tested for sickle cell disease?

Blood & hemoglobin: The first test is to do a blood test and/or smear to look for sickle-cell shaped red-blood cells. This is a tell-tale sign of sickle cell disease. The second is to do a test called a hemoglobin electrophoresis on the blood to test for any of the hemoglobin molecules such as a, c, s, f. Hemoglobin c and especially s are involved in sickle-cell.

Blood test: The first test is a sickledex. This inexpensive, simple test will reveal if there is any sickle hemoglobin present. If so, a hemoglobin electrophoresis should be done. This will distinguish between different sickle cell conditions and allow appropriate counseling.