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SICKLE CELL SCREEN WITH REFLEX TO HEMOGLOBINOPATHY EVALUATION (8000101341)
Test Mnemonic:

SICKLE

Specimen Requirements:
Collection:

Routine venipuncture; Collect EDTA (lavender tube, preferred), sodium heparin (green-top tube acceptable).  The minimum volume required is 90% of the stated tube volume.

Storage/Transport:

Specimen not delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours should be refrigerated (store at 2-8 C)

Stability:

Refrigerated samples (at 2-8 C) are stable for 2 weeks; however we only store them for 7 days at 2-8 C.

Causes for Rejection:

Specimen clotted; collection in wrong tube; identification error.

Reference Range:

Negative: Hemoglobin S not present.  Positive: Hemoglobin S presumed present

 

Turnaround Time:

STAT: 1 hour; Routine 4 hours.

Refer to Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation if refexed. 

 

Methodology:

The Sickle Screen Kit (Pacific Hemostasis) is a modified Nalbandian procedure based on the differential solubility of Hemoglobin S (Hb S) and Hemoglobin A (Hb A) in concentrated phosphate solution.

Performed:

Specimen accepted 24 hours per day at Sample Management, 7.412 CSW.

Synonyms:

SICKLE, HB S, SICKLE CELL, HEMOGLOBIN S SOLUBILITY, SICKLEDEX, SICKLING TEST, HEMOGLOBIN S, HB SCREEN

 

Clinical Indication:

To detect the presence of Hemoglobin S in patients from the RMCHC Clinic

CPT 4 Code:

85660

Note:

If RBC transfusion anticipated, collect before transfusion.

Special Instructions:  The test can be ordered only once per inpatient admission and once per month for outpatients.  Additional requests require the approval of the laboratory director.  Do not request on patients 0-6 months of age (Hb-F is too high; order Hemoglobinopathy evaluation).

If the Sickle Screen is "Positive" and a CBC with Diff is not ordered at the same time; add CBC with diff to the test within 24 hour of collection as it will be needed by the Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation.

Interfering substances:  Erythrocytosis, hyperglobulinemia, extreme leukocytosis, and hyperlipidemia can cause false positive results.  Anemia, high levels of Hb F, and recent transfusions can cause false negative results.

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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