What test is used to screen for sickle cell disease in newborns?

The appropriate test used to screen for sickle cell disease in newborns is a form of newborn metabolic screening, commonly referred to as newborn screening. This process typically includes the assessment of various conditions, including sickle cell disease.

Newborn screening is performed shortly after birth and is aimed at identifying certain genetic, metabolic, and endocrine disorders. It involves testing for the presence of abnormal forms of hemoglobin, specifically hemoglobin S (HbS) which is associated with sickle cell disease. By detecting these forms of hemoglobin, healthcare providers can identify infants who may be at risk for developing sickle cell disease, allowing for timely intervention and management to improve outcomes.

In contrast, while tests such as hemoglobin electrophoresis can confirm sickle cell disease in older children and adults, the initial screening for newborns is typically incorporated within newborn metabolic screening programs. Complete blood count and blood culture serve different purposes and are not focused specifically on screening for hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease.