Your baby’s screening result – A sickle cell disorder (SCD) is suspected

Your baby’s newborn bloodspot test (heel prick test) suggests they may have a sickle cell disorder.

Your baby will need more tests to confirm whether they have a sickle cell disorder.

What are sickle cell disorders?

Sickle cell disorders are rare but treatable inherited conditions.

They affect how red blood cells work and behave in the body and if left untreated, can lead to serious and long-term health problems.

If diagnosed early, babies with a sickle cell disorder can grow and develop normally, and people with a sickle cell disorder can be treated before problems are likely to develop.

What happens next?

A specialist team will arrange more tests to confirm whether your baby has a sickle cell disorder.

It may take a few days for you to receive the results of these tests.

If tests confirm that your baby has a sickle cell disorder, you will receive further support and care from the specialist team. They will explain the condition in more detail, answer your questions and start treatment quickly.

How you might be feeling:

It’s completely natural to feel worried or unsure when your baby needs further tests. You can find more information and support from the resources below:

The Sickle Cell Society has ‘A parent’s guide to managing sickle cell disease’ at