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Diagnosis of sickle cell anemia
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
Sickle Cell Anemia Lab Data
The hemogram reveals normochromic hyperregenerative anemia - the hemoglobin concentration is usually 60~80 g / l, the number of reticulocytes is 50-150%. Peripheral blood smears usually contain erythrocytes that have undergone irreversible "sickle formation" - sickle-shaped erythrocytes; aniso- and poikilocytosis, polychromatophilia, ovalocytosis, micro- and macrocytosis are also detected, Cabot rings and Jolly bodies are found. The total number of leukocytes is increased to 12-20 x 10 9 / l, neutrophilia is observed; the number of platelets is increased, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is decreased.
Biochemically, hyperbilirubinemia, changes in liver function tests, hypergammaglobulinemia, and possibly increased serum iron levels are observed. Increased osmotic resistance of red blood cells is observed.
In the sternal puncture, pronounced hyperplasia of the erythroid germ is detected; megaloblastic type changes are not uncommon.
Erythrocyte and hemoglobin tests are crucial for diagnosis. A simple and quick test for the presence of HbS is the sickle cell assay by deoxygenation or exposure to reducing agents (sodium metabisulfite). Using these methods, it is possible to induce "sickle formation" in almost 100% of erythrocytes in both sickle cell anemia and in carriers of the trait. To detect HbS in erythrocytes, one can use
Differential diagnosis of sickle cell anemia
Conducted with heterozygous hemoglobinopathies.
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