The prevalence of sickle cell trait in Sierra Leone. A laboratory profile.

Three thousand five hundred and twenty four (1527 male and 1997 female) samples were screened for the presence of the abnormal haemoglobin--Sickle Cell (HbS) between 1990-1993. 780 (22%) of these show sickle erythrocytes in a reduced oxygen environment. Electrophoretic differentiation of 344 samples positive from the metabisulphite screening test, revealed that 76 are of the homozygous form with 3 being HbSC. Noting the adverse consequences on the health status of those affected and the expense involved in the management of such patients, there is an urgent need for intervention.