When do you test for sickle cell anemia?

Diagnosis: You only need to check for sickle cell disease at first diagnosis or if both parents are known to be sickle-cell patients. The test is for abnormal hemoglobin molecules caused by a genetic mutation. If you are a carrier or have the disease, that will be with you for life. Subsequently, blood counts need to be done regularly if you get sickle cell episodes.

Sickle cell testing: In the United States, all states mandate testing for sickle cell anemia as part of their newborn screening programs. The test uses blood from the same blood samples used for other routine newborn screening tests. The test can show whether a newborn infant has sickle hemoglobin (from http://www.Nhlbi.Nih.Gov/health/health-topics/topics/sca/diagnosis.Html).