Sickle Cell Screen (Hemoglobin Solubility) details

The sickle cell screen is a quick test that checks whether hemoglobin S (the abnormal form of hemoglobin responsible for sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease) is present, based on whether red blood cells become less soluble under certain lab conditions. It's a screening test rather than a diagnostic one — a positive result is always followed by hemoglobin electrophoresis, a more detailed test that can distinguish between simply carrying sickle cell trait (one copy of the gene, generally without significant health effects) and having sickle cell disease itself (two copies, which causes significant health complications).