Sickle cell & Thalassaemia

How will I get the result from my screening test?

Your midwife, doctor, or counsellor from the local sickle cell and thalassaemia centre will give you your test result.

What will the results tell me?

If the result shows you are not a carrier, it is very unlikely your baby could have a sickle cell disorder or thalassaemia major. Although the test is very accurate, a small number of results may be unclear. If this happens, you will be offered another test.

If the test shows you are a carrier or a possible carrier, you will be able to talk to a specialist nurse or doctor and they will give you more information. They will suggest you ask the father of your baby to have a blood test to find out if he is a carrier. If his test result shows he is not a carrier, it is very unlikely your baby will have a sickle cell disorder or thalassaemia major.

What if my baby’s father is also a carrier?

If the test shows the father of your baby is a carrier, there may be a one in four (or 25%) chance your baby could have a sickle cell disorder or thalassaemia major. You can then decide whether to have more tests to find out if your baby is affected. These tests are called diagnostic tests. If you choose not to have more tests, your baby can be tested at birth for sickle cell disorders or for thalassaemia major. This means that if he or she is affected, treatment can start early.