Overview

Healthcare providers diagnose sickle cell anemia by doing a physical examination that may include feeling your spleen or liver. They’ll ask about your symptoms, particularly pain in your arms, legs or belly. They may ask about your medical history, including infections. They may order the following tests:

  • Complete blood count (CBC): CBCs include specific tests to check on your red blood cells.
  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis: Also known as high-performance liquid chromatography, this test analyzes your hemoglobin to find and measure the abnormal hemoglobin that causes sickle cell anemia.
  • Genetic tests: Your provider may order tests to see if you have the genetic changes (mutations) that cause sickle cell anemia.
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