l
262 Danny Thomas Place
Mail Stop 800
Memphis, TN 38105-3678
www.stjude.org
If both parents have sickle cell trait there is a
25 percent (1 in 4) chance with each
pregnancy of having a child with sickle cell
disease. Sickle cell disease is a lifelong illness
that can result in serious health problems.
Sickle Cell Trait Sickle Cell Trait
This document does not provide information on
(AS)
(AS)
other types of hemoglobin trait such as
hemoglobin C or beta thalassemia trait. It is not
intended to replace counseling by a trained
health care professional or genetic counselor.
Questions about personal health concerns or
treatment should be discussed with your doctor.
For more information, visit our website at
Sickle Cell Sickle Cell Sickle Cell No Trait
www.stjude.org/sicklecell.
Funds for reproduction of this document were provided by St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital, ALSAC, and a grant from the Plough Foundation.
Copyright © 2008 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Fact
Sheet
Sickle Cell
Trait
Department of Hematology
Disease
(SS)
Trait
(AS)
Trait
(AS)
(AA)
BMC–09/14 (F7600)
l
It is possible for a person of any race or nationality to have
sickle cell trait, but it is very common in African-Americans.
About one (1) out of every 12 African-Americans has sickle
cell trait. It also affects Hispanics, and people whose
ancestors came from Africa, Latin America, Asia, India, and
the Mediterranean region.
Sickle cell trait affects the red blood cells.
l
All red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen
from the lungs to all parts of the body.
l
l
People with sickle cell trait have both normal hemoglobin A
and abnormal hemoglobin S in their red blood cells.
Finding cures. Saving children.
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
l
S
A
Normal
Red Blood Cell
Sickle Cell Trait
Red Blood Cell
l
l
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S S
S
Sickle
Cell Disease
Red Blood Cell
People who do not have sickle cell trait
or any other abnormal hemoglobin have
red blood cells that contain only hemoglobin A.
People with sickle cell trait do not develop
sickle cell disease.
People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells
that contain mostly hemoglobin S. Under certain
conditions these red blood cells become
sickle-shaped (banana-shaped) and block circulation.
Why is it important to know if I have sickle cell trait?
l
l
Sickle cell trait is inherited from one’s parents, like hair or
eye color. If one (1) parent has sickle cell trait there is a 50
percent (1 in 2) chance with each pregnancy of having a
child with sickle cell trait.
Sickle cell trait rarely causes any health problems. But under
certain conditions, it may cause health problems in some
people1, including problems from:
l
Dehydration – a lack of water in the body
l
Low oxygen – caused by very strenuous exercise
l
High altitudes – caused by a lack of oxygen in the thin air
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/faq_traits.htm
1
Sickle Cell Trait
(AS)
Sickle Cell
Trait
(AS)
Sickle Cell
Trait
(AS)
No Trait
(AA)
No Trait
(AA)
No Trait
(AA)