Sickle Solubility, Blood
Use
The Sickle Solubility Test is used for screening the presence or absence of hemoglobin S (sickle cell disease). It helps in identifying individuals who may have sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait by examining the solubility of deoxygenated hemoglobin S. The test is particularly applicable to people of African or Middle Eastern descent, where these conditions are more prevalent. A positive result indicates the presence of hemoglobin S, and further evaluation through other tests like hemoglobin electrophoresis is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
A positive Sickle Solubility Test is presumptive for hemoglobin S but cannot differentiate between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease. It also fails to identify hemoglobin variants such as Hb C-Harlem and Hb I that may produce a positive result. False positives can occur due to large numbers of nucleated RBCs or hypergammaglobulinemia, while false negatives may result from low Hb S concentration due to age or transfusion. Packed red blood cells reduce both false negatives and positives, though the test remains a limited screening method.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6864-3 - Hgb S Bld Ql Soly
- 6864-3 - Hgb S Bld Ql Soly
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender top (EDTA), Yellow top (ACD solution B), Green top (heparin)
Collection Instructions
Invert several times to mix blood. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, fully clotted samples
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |