TRAINING and EDUCATION
Patient Education
SICKLE CELL AWARENESS
If both parents have SCT, each child that they have together has a
• 1 in 2 (50%) chance of having SCT. Children with SCT will
not have symptoms of SCD, but they can pass SCT on to
their children.
• 1 in 4 (25%) chance of having sickle cell anemia, one of
several types of SCD. Sickle cell anemia is a serious
medical condition.
• 1 in 4 (25%) chance that they will not have SCD or SCT.
If one parent has SCT and the other parent has another
abnormal hemoglobin gene (like hemoglobin C trait or betathalassemia trait), each of their children has a
• 1 in 2 (50%) chance of having SCT.
• 1 in 4 (25%) chance of having SCD (not sickle cell anemia).
These other types of SCD can be more or less severe
depending on the specific abnormal hemoglobin gene.
• 1 in 4 (25%) chance that they will not have SCD or SCT.
If only one parent has SCT, each of their children has a
• 1 in 2 (50%) chance of having SCT.
• 1 in 2 (50%) chance that they will not have SCT.
What Health Problems are Commonly Found with
Sickle Cell Trait?
Most people with SCT do not have any health problems caused
by sickle cell trait. However, there are a few, rare health problems
that may potentially be related to SCT. For example, if people with
SCT have pain when traveling to or exercising at high altitudes,
they should tell their healthcare provider. People with SCT and
eye trauma should seek out medical attention and inform the
physician about the trait status. People with SCT should drink
plenty of water during exercise. People with SCT should contact
and inform their doctor if they notice blood in their urine. To find
out more about SCT and to get specific answers to your questions,
call your healthcare provider.
How Will A Person Know
If He Or She Has Sickle
Cell Trait?
To find out if you have
SCT, your doctor needs to
order a blood test. If you
find out you and/or your
loved one has SCT, talk to
your healthcare provider
and/or a genetic counselor
about what that means. It
is important that you know
what SCT is and how it can
affect you and your family.
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ASH Clinical News
February 2015
Cut out and give to a patient
For more information visit:
www.cdc.gov/sicklecell