PERIPHERAL BLOOD PICTURE OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Laboratory diagnosis of sickle cell anemia involves phenotypic testing for the presence of the sickle haemoglobin and genetic analysis. Phenotypic tests include sickling test and sickle solubility test. Sickle cell anemia can be diagnosed by the presence of sickle cells (drepanocytes) in the peripheral blood film with direct microscopic examination.