Haemoglobin S qualitative screening kit 50 tests SICKLEDEX® solubility kit Streck

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition characterized by the presence of Haemoglobin S (Hb-S). Hb-S exists in a homozygous state (S/S) known as Sickle Cell Anaemia or in a heterozygous state (A/S) known as Sickle Cell Trait. Homozygous individuals (S/S) commonly exhibit symptoms of severe hemolytic anaemia and/or vascular occlusions. Heterozygous individuals (A/S) are usually asymptomatic. Hb-S may be present with other haemoglobins, such as Haemoglobin A, C or D, or with thalassemia, a condition that interferes with the synthesis of normal haemoglobin.
Under conditions of low oxygen tension, the heterozygous (A/S) form can cause erythrocytes to form the characteristic sickle shaped tactoids. The formation of these irreversibly sickled red blood cells causes the onset of the acute symptoms. Detection of both the homozygous and heterozygous condition is important so high-risk individuals can be identified and their symptoms reduced.
Deoxygenated Hb-S is insoluble in the presence of a concentrated phosphate buffer solution and forms a turbid suspension that can be easily visualized. Normal Haemoglobin A and other haemoglobins remain in solution under these conditions. These different qualitative outcomes allow for the detection of sickle cell disease and its traits.
SICKLEDEX uses Saponin to lyse the red blood cells. Sodium Hydrosulphite then reduces the released haemoglobin. Reduced Hb-S is insoluble in the concentrated phosphate buffer and forms a cloudy, turbid suspension. Other sickling haemoglobin subtypes may also give a positive result.