How is sickle cell disease diagnosed?

    Written by:
    Giulia Guerrini

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Marina Shkayeva, Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait (SCT) can be diagnosed before birth through prenatal tests like chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis, as well as after birth or in adulthood via a simple blood test. In the U.S., newborn screening for SCD is conducted in all states, and prospective parents can also undergo blood tests to determine whether they carry the sickle cell gene.

    Both sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait (SCT) can be diagnosed before birth, after birth, or during adulthood.[1]

    Prenatal tests, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis, can confirm whether the baby will have SCD or SCT, and are typically offered to women with a higher risk of having a baby affected by a genetic condition.[2]

    Diagnosis of SCD or SCT in newborns or adults can be done through a simple blood test. In the US, all states conduct newborn screening for SCD to enable early intervention if deemed necessary. Additionally, parents who are planning on having a baby can undergo a blood test to check if they carry the sickle cell gene and to understand the likelihood of their children having SCT or SCD.[1]