Sickle Cell Patients Need Your Help

In honor of sickle cell awareness month, the Central California Blood Center for the month of September will expand its testing to include sickle cell trait screening on all donations from self-identified African American donors. This additional screening will help CCBC identify compatible blood types more quickly to help sickle cell patients and provide our African American donors additional health insight during a time when health information has never been more important.

About 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease. Most are of African descent. The disease causes red blood cells to harden and form a C-shape (like a sickle). When hardened, the cells can get caught in blood vessels and cause serious complications for patients. These complications can include severe pain, respiratory conditions, organ failure, and even stroke.*

While there is no cure for sickle cell patients, blood transfusions can alleviate symptoms and even prevent patients from dying. The generosity of blood donors is crucial for these patients.

*Source: American Red Cross

Walk-ins are welcome or click the button below to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I donate blood and receive a sickle cell trait screening with the Central California Blood Center?

You can donate at a CCBC Donation Center. Currently, sickle cell trait screening is not available on mobile drives.

What if someone is not eligible to give blood, can they still receive a sickle cell trait screening?

No. Donors will need to have a successful donation to receive sickle cell trait screening results. Per standard donation procedure, only successful donations are sent to our laboratory for screening.

What is sickle cell trait and sickle cell trait screening and why is it important?

CCBC is screening donations from self-identified African American blood donors for Hemoglobin S, a key indicator of sickle cell trait. This screening, which may provide our donors with valuable health insights, will be part of the blood donation testing process and free of charge to donors.

Sickle cell trait is inherited, and many individuals are not aware that they carry this trait. Sickle cell trait is not sickle cell disease and it can never become sickle cell disease. However, health experts recommend that individuals learn their sickle cell trait status and consult their medical provider on what it means for them.
Donations from African American individuals who do not carry the sickle cell trait are often the most compatible blood products for sickle cell patients.

Is this screening test new for the Central California Blood Center?

No. The Central California Blood Center immunohematology-reference laboratories (IRL) have historically tested select donations for sickle cell trait at the request of hospital partners actively looking to fulfill a specific blood product need. In September we are expanding our screening to include all blood, platelet, and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors to allow us to identify compatible blood donations even faster to help patients in need of a blood transfusion.

How will I learn my results?

The Central California Blood Center will send a letter to donors whose results are positive for sickle cell trait within 4 weeks of their donation and encourage them to discuss the information with their health care provider. Having a positive test result will NOT disqualify you from future donations. If your screening is negative, you will not receive a notification.

If Positive result: Indicates that the screening test detected the presence of Hemoglobin S or sickle hemoglobin, which may mean you carry the sickle cell trait. These results are a preliminary screening. CCBC recommends that you consult your medical provider to discuss your test results and pursue additional testing. Those who receive a positive result will also receive a letter in the mail within 4 weeks of your donation.
It is important to note that carrying the sickle cell trait does not mean that an individual has sickle cell disease. In general, individuals who carry the sickle cell trait have no medical conditions related to sickle cell disease.

Negative result: Indicates that the screening test did not detect the presence of Hemoglobin S or sickle hemoglobin. This means that the individual is likely not a sickle cell trait carrier. It is important to note that CCBC is not screening for other abnormal hemoglobin cells that can also cause sickling. If you have a family history of other hemoglobin conditions, you may want to consult your medical provider.

Not Tested result: While rare, some donations may not be able to be tested due to processing issues. Donors will need to have a successful donation to receive sickle cell trait screening results. Per standard procedures, only successful donations are sent to our laboratory for testing.

How accurate are the sickle cell test screenings?

The sickle cell trait screenings are highly accurate and effective at detecting the presence of an abnormal type of hemoglobin a key indicator of sickle cell trait. However, these screening are not perfect. As with all tests and screening, false results, or a screening result that incorrectly states the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, can occur. This is why those who receive a positive result are encouraged to consult their medical provider for confirmatory testing and discuss what their results mean for them.

For additional information about your test result, you may download or view the manufacturer’s fact sheet for the Pacific Hemostasis SickleScreen Hemoglobin Screening Kit

For more information about sickle cell trait, you can visit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America website