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This
section is designed to help future and expectant
parents understand the importance of knowing if
they carry Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia. (Click
on the links below for more information) |
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What are Sickle Cell Disorders & Thalassaemia Major? |
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What are
Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Carriers (Trait)? |
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Does it
affect me? |
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How do
you get Sickle Cell Disorders & Thalassaemia Major? |
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Nobody in
my family has Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia, why should I have a
blood test? |
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How do I
find out if I am a carrier? |
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Does my
doctor recommend testing? |
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What will
happen once I have had my blood test? |
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If I am
pregnant will my baby be tested? |
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Do you
suggest partner and family testing? |
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What are
Sickle Cell Disorders & Thalassaemia Major? |
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They are
both inherited conditions of the blood, which affect haemoglobin,
the oxygen-carrying substance which gives blood its red colour.
Children with Sickle Cell Disorder can have attacks of severe
pain (crisis) or sudden life-threatening infections.
Children with Thalassaemia Major are severely anaemic and need
blood transfusions every four weeks and regular injections for
life. |
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What are
Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Carriers (Trait)? |
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| Both Sickle
Cell and Thalassaemia disorders exist in two forms; one is the
disorder form and the other is the carrier form (trait). People
who are carriers are usually healthy people. |
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Does it
affect me? |
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People who
are of African, Caribbean, Asian, Middle-Eastern and
Mediterranean origins are most 'at risk' of Sickle Cell and
Thalassaemia.
About 1 in 4 Africans and 1 in 8 African-Caribbeans carry Sickle
Cell trait. The incidence of Thalassaemia trait also varies from
1 in 7 to 1 in 30 people who originate from Asian, Mediterranean
and Middle Eastern countries.
Caucasian people can also be affected, but this is less common.
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How do you
get Sickle Cell Disorders & Thalassaemia Major? |
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| If both
parents are healthy carriers (trait), there is a 1 in 4 chance
(25%) that in each pregnancy the child will have Sickle Cell
disorder or Thalassaemia Major. |
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Nobody in my
family has Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia, why should I have a
blood test? |
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parents or relatives may be healthy carriers, as this does not
affect their health and well being they may be unaware of their
carrier status. |
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How do I
find out if I am a carrier? |
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| Your GP can
arrange a simple blood test for you free of charge. |
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Does my
doctor recommend testing? |
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| Yes,
especially if you are thinking of having a baby or if you are
already pregnant. |
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What will
happen once I have had my blood test? |
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On
receiving your results via the Haematology Laboratory, the
Project will contact you with relevant information or you will
be sent a haemoglobinopathy card. We suggest you carry this card
with you to avoid unnecessary testing for Sickle Cell or
Thalassaemia.
The Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Support Project also provides
genetic counselling which enables individuals the opportunity to
discuss their results and any implications it may have on the
family. |
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If I am
pregnant will my baby be tested? |
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| Your
midwife will advise you that a sample of cord blood will be
taken during the delivery for testing. The Project will contact
you soon after to invite you in for counseling. |
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Do you
suggest partner and family testing? |
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Yes, if you
are planning to have a baby it is advisable that your partner is
tested to determine whether your partner is a carrier or not.
If you are a carrier there is a chance that your brothers and
sisters may be carriers as well. |
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