Sickle cell and hemoglobin trait information for parents

In California all babies are screened for hemoglobin and other rare disorders shortly after birth. The screening method also identifies healthy babies with hemoglobin traits.​

This means that a baby’s red blood cells have a different kind of hemoglobin along with the usual kind. Having a hemoglobin trait is not a disease. It will never change into disease. 

A newborn screening result may show that a baby has a hemoglobin trait: either sickle cell (S) trait, hemoglobin C trait, or hemoglobin D trait.

Parents can learn more information about traits and free family testing by calling the Newborn Screening Hemoglobin Trait Follow-up Program at 1 (866) 954-2229. All trait services are voluntary, free, and confidential.

Parents can leave their name, phone number, and email address. A counselor from the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation will contact the parent. Counselors speak English and Spanish.​

• ​​Newborn Screening Hemoglobin Trait Follow-up Program​

What is hemoglobin?

What is a hemoglobin trait?

Hemoglobin traits are inherited conditions present at birth. Hemoglobin traits are passed down from parent to child in genes. Genes are in the body’s cells. They carry information that sets the qualities passed on to a child from parents, like height.

One parent must have a gene for the usual hemoglobin A and one parent must have a gene with a different hemoglobin type for a baby to have a hemoglobin trait.

Different hemoglobin types can be S, C, or D, among others. T​here are other hemoglobin traits such as beta thalassemia trait and other less common traits. ​

Anyone can have a hemoglobin trait. Hemoglobin traits are more oft​en found in people whose families came from Africa, Mexico, Central America, India, the Middle East and parts of Europe and Asia. ​​

If a baby does not have a disease, why should parents be tested?

Parent testing is offered because many parents do not know they have a hemoglobin trait. Blood tests can tell parents about their hemoglobin type. A parent knowing about their own hemoglobin trait is important information for them and their doctor​.

What is sickle cell disease?

Both parents must have a hemoglobin trait for a baby to get sickle cell disease. 

Hemoglobin disorders affect the body’s ability to have healthy red blood cells. Hemoglobin​ stores oxygen in the red blood cells.​ Red blood cells bring oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. ​

A person with a hemoglobin disorder has red blood cells that are sometimes stiff and “sickle” shaped. These unusually shaped cells do not deliver oxygen as effectively as usual and can cause health problems. ​People with sickle cell disease usually require follow up and long-term medical management.​

• ​​Parent fact sheet on sickle cell disease (PDF, English)
• Parent fact sheet on sickle cell disease (PDF, Spanish)
• Provider fact sheet on sickle cell disease (PDF, English)
  
• Parent and caregiver handbook for sickle cell (PDF, English)
  

Are there treatments for sickle cell disease?

Yes. There are treatments that help people manage and live well with the disease. With proper information and treatments, people with sickle cell disease can enjoy happy, productive lives. Medical providers should discuss treatment options .

Sickle cell disease is a life-long condition. A baby with sickle cell disease will need regular medical care. The baby should be followed by a regular medical provider, as well as a medical team at a sickle cell disease center.

For more information