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__What every expecting parent should know!__
What is sickle cell testing for newborns?
It is a blood test. It shows if your baby has sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait or other blood disorders
Sickle Cell Disease: Sickle Cell Trait:
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Runs in families.
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Red blood cells are normally round. Sickle cell disease makes the cells curved.
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The curved blood cells can get stuck in small blood vessels. This can cause:
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Pain in any part of the body.
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Harm to body organs.
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Runs in families.
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Sickle Cell Trait does not change the shape of red blood cells.
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People with Sickle Cell Trait will not get Sickle Cell Disease. But their children may be born with the disease.
If your baby has Sickle Cell Disease,
he or she will need special treatment right away. That is why the Sickle Cell test is so important! Your baby will need:
Special medical care Special care at home
This may include:
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Medicines
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Immunizations (shots)
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Transfusions
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Extra doctor visits.
Call the doctor right away any time your baby seems sick.
This includes making sure your baby:
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Takes penicillin (a medicine) every day.
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Eats healthy foods.
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Drinks lots of fluids.
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Does not get too hot or cold.
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Takes vitamins (if the doctor says to).
Ask your doctor for even more details.
If your baby has Sickle Cell Trait,
he or she needs the same care as any other baby.