Sickle Cell Trait: Understanding the Condition & Inheritance

The sickle cell trait is an inherited condition in which a person has one sickle cell gene and one normal globin gene. People with sickle cell trait usually do not have any symptoms of sickle cell disease, but they can pass the sickle cell gene on to their children.

People with sickle cell trait may have some abnormal-shaped red blood cells, but not as many as people with sickle cell anemia. Their red blood cells can sometimes change into a sickle shape when there is a lack of oxygen, but they quickly return to their normal shape when oxygen is restored.

Sickle cell trait is not a disease, but it is important to be aware of if you are planning to have children. If you have sickle cell trait and your partner also has sickle cell trait, there is a 25% chance that your child will have sickle cell anemia.