The effectiveness of sickle cell counseling.

Patients received information about hemoglobinopathies before blood testing. Those in whom sickle cell trait was confirmed were counseled. Then, this group responded to a questionnaire to evaluate understanding and retention of information about sickle cell disease. Ninety percent correct responses were obtained on general information. However, only 70 percent correct responses were received on questions about genetics. Modifications of techniques of sickle cell counseling are suggested by these results.