Sickle Cell Anaemia - HB3 Gene

The Sickle Cell Anaemia HB3 Gene test is used to diagnose Sickle Cell Anaemia, a group of inherited disorders that adversely affect the shape of red blood cells in your body. If you are diagnosed with this disease, your RBCs will start deforming and become sticky.

The condition can impede the flow of blood in your body. This can cause a decline in the ability of RBCs to carry oxygen to all parts of your body. But these sickled cells don't live as long as healthy RBCs. When they die off, there is a deficit of RBCs left behind which cause anaemia.

You need to get a Sickle Cell Anaemia test done if you start experiencing the following symptoms:

• Confusion
• Difficulty in talking and walking 
• Sudden changes in vision
• Numbness
• Severe headaches 
• One-side paralysis

Sickle Cell Anaemia can be caused by multiple factors. The sickle-shaped red blood cells are produced when there is a change in the haemoglobin gene. Once they start attaining their crescent sickle shape, they start blocking the flow of healthy haemoglobin. If you and your partner both carry the sickle cell gene, then there is a high chance that your child has Sickle Cell Anaemia.

If the child receives a single copy of the sickle cell gene, they will possess one mutated and one typical haemoglobin gene. They might not show clear symptoms, but they have sickled cells in their bloodstream, and they can pass it on to their kids.

The symptoms of Sickle Cell Anaemia are quite painful and might cause a wide variety of complications, such as:

• Delayed growth or puberty
• Vision problems 
• Constant episodes of pain 
• Acute chest syndrome 
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Organ damage 
• Stroke 
• Pregnancy complications
• Blindness
• Leg ulcers 
• Gallstones, etc.

The Sickle Cell Anaemia test requires a blood sample, which is then processed with the help of a technique called Haemoglobin Electrophoresis. The high-performance liquid cinematography measures the levels of various types of haemoglobin in your bloodstream. It also identifies the presence of these sickle cells and measures their levels.

Here are some pointers that might help you navigate life while being diagnosed with the sickness:

• Find expert medical care
• Get check-ups regularly 
• Try your best to avoid catching infections
• Don’t neglect your emotional health
• Get regular exercise
• Keep looking for clinical trials

Apollo's Sickle Cell Anaemia test cost is ₹6,600, and the results are made available in 11 days. If the test results are positive, you must start treatment with blood transfusions and antibiotics. Sickle Cell Anaemia might take quite some time to treat, which means you will have to live with the ailment for quite some time. 
 

Frequently asked questions

How to manage the pain that accompanies Sickle Cell Anaemia?

Sickle Cell Anaemia is usually accompanied by constant episodes of pain. This happens every time the affected cells block the haemoglobin flow. This pain might be quite challenging to manage on your own. Hence, consider visiting a pain management specialist. Draft a proper plan including multiple ways to alleviate pain that accompanies anaemia.

How does sickle cell haemoglobin differ from the normal ones?

The chemical composition of a sickle cell haemoglobin differs from the normal one only because of a single amino acid. When glutamate inside haemoglobin is replaced by valine, the cell develops a hydrophobic spot. Hence, it also attains its sticky nature and crescent shape.

Why is it critical to screen for Sickle Cell Anaemia?

Screening for Sickle Cell Anaemia is critical if you and your partner are planning to have a child. If an abnormal gene is detected in your bloodstream, then you can figure out your options before the birth of your child.

What to expect if you or your child suffer from Sickle Cell Anaemia?

One thing you must remember about Sickle Cell Anaemia is that it is chronic and can't be cured. Therefore, you must focus primarily on how to manage the illness. Your physician may prescribe antibiotics and other medication to ward off the infections and manage the pain. These medications will also keep your anaemia from getting worse.

What is the most common symptom of Sickle Cell Anaemia?

Pain is the most common symptom associated with Sickle Cell Anaemia. This happens when the mutated sickle cell haemoglobin blocks small blood vessels, not allowing the healthy haemoglobin to pass. As a result, insufficient oxygen is delivered to all your body parts, and pain might shoot up in your legs, belly, chest, back, or arms.

What is the life expectancy of someone suffering from Sickle Cell Anaemia?

If a new-born baby has Sickle Cell Anaemia, they rarely live past the age of five. Otherwise, people diagnosed with the illness generally live 20-30 years less than people who don't have it.