[HEMOGLOBINOPATHY].

Abstract

Included in newborn screenings, all filter paper specimens are routinely tested for sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies. Sickle Cell disease is characterized by the presence of abnormal red blood cells that do not transport oxygen efficiently and may become sickle shaped, causing anemia and pain due to occlusion of the blood vessels. Most commonly found in persons of African ancestry, Sickle cell disease also affects people of Mediterranean, Caribbean, South and Central American, Asian and Middle Eastern descent.