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Sickle Cell Trait, could I have it?

By May 13, 2009 - 8:22pm
 
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A month ago ,I donated blood, A few days later I received a letter stating they could not use my blood . They told me I have the sickle cell trait. I have given blood many times over the years and never had it before. My question is how did I suddenly get it?

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Thank you, Coach Virginia & Diane P for your comment. I do have a stepsister from my father side who has sickle cell disease, I just met her about 7 months ago. So I will get tested to see if I have the trait.

Thanks again

May 15, 2009 - 8:56am

Kinnis, I agree with Coach Virginia, it would probably be good just to call your doctor's office and ask them to test your blood for sickle cell.

Because it's also possible -- especially if you have given blood recently that had no problem -- that the blood bank simply made an error in the letter they sent to you. Or you might call them and ask them if they've changed their testing recently because this has come as a surprise to you. Either way, it's something good to nail down. Good to be aware of these things in our lives.

Just about a year ago, my sister had a small clot form near her liver. When they tested her blood for genetic things, they found she has a clotting disorder and probably shouldn't have been on birth control pills for all the years that she was. She's now had her daughters tested and they, too have the disorder. It's something she never knew about until this happened, but it's important information.

Do you have siblings? You might ask/tell them as well.

May 15, 2009 - 8:48am

Dear Kinnis, your posting is very interesting and opens my curiosity as to what type of genetic testing your donated blood may have been subjected to. It is very possible that in the past your blood donation was taken but not used at all(if the same results were present) or maybe DNA testing is being used with all donated blood now and not before. I really doubt it you suddenly "got it" as your genetics come with you from the time you are an embryo. Your Genes are the mapping of your life. Having a "trait" does not mean you have the disease, it just means that you have carry the gene. However, if the test is correct, and to ease your mind, have your doctor test you for sickle cell periodically. It is the same if someone had a genetic predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes, he/she should be tested for diabetes periodically too.

May 13, 2009 - 9:48pm
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