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Sickle cell anemia is a common type of inherited blood condition in which the red blood cells become wrinkled (sickled) and plug-up very small blood vessels. This causes anemia (low red blood count) and intermittent pain (pain crises). This condition is more common among people of African descent.
Everyone has two copies of the gene that gives the directions to make that part of hemoglobin. If you inherit two copies (one from each parent) you have the condition called sickle cell anemia and are almost certain to have anemia and pain crises. If you inherit only one copy of the gene, it is unlikely that you will have any symptoms unless you are in a place that has very low oxygen e.g. unpressurized airplane or mountain climbing.
Both conditions can be identified by a simple blood test. Most states require babies to be screened for these conditions.
Posted 10-1-04
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