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Sickle cell trait is different from sickle cell disease.
People with sickle cell trait:
- Inherit one abnormal hemoglobin gene from one parent
- Inherit one normal hemoglobin gene from the other parent
- Usually have no symptoms or health problems
People with sickle cell disease:
- Inherit two abnormal hemoglobin genes, one from each parent
- Usually experience symptoms and complications
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be sickle cell disease. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
Why Knowing Matters
Although most people with sickle cell trait do not have symptoms or health problems, it is important to know if you have sickle cell trait. That’s because you can pass the abnormal hemoglobin gene to your children, and if your partner also carries an abnormal hemoglobin gene, any children you have together are at risk of inheriting sickle cell disease.