Sickle cell disease can be diagnosed in an unborn baby by sampling some of the fluid surrounding the baby in the mother's womb (amniotic fluid) to look for the sickle cell gene (2). The blood test can reveal whether a person is suffering from sickle cell anemia. An early diagnosis is very important; it can prevent health problems in the future. Some states require an examination for neonates to detect sickle cell anemia. Examination uses blood from the same blood samples used in other routine tests for the newborn. Examinations show if the baby has sickle
Sickle cell disease can be diagnosed in an unborn baby by sampling some of the fluid surrounding the baby in the mother's womb (amniotic fluid) to look for the sickle cell gene (2). The blood test can reveal whether a person is suffering from sickle cell anemia. An early diagnosis is very important; it can prevent health problems in the future. Some states require an examination for neonates to detect sickle cell anemia. Examination uses blood from the same blood samples used in other routine tests for the newborn. Examinations show if the baby has sickle