NHS Offers Free Blood Test to Identify Sickle Cell Trait

The NHS has announced a significant initiative to raise awareness about the sickle cell trait and the availability of a free blood test to diagnose it. This announcement is particularly important for individuals who may carry the trait but do not exhibit any symptoms. Understanding one’s sickle cell status can be critical, especially for those planning to have children, as the trait can be passed on to offspring.

In a recent post, the NHS clarified that carrying the sickle cell trait means an individual has one of the genes linked to sickle cell disease, although they do not suffer from the condition. To determine if someone carries this trait, they are encouraged to contact their general practitioner (GP) for a simple blood test at no cost.

Sickle cell disease represents a range of serious, lifelong conditions affecting red blood cells, with a higher prevalence among individuals of African or Caribbean descent. The disease can lead to painful episodes known as sickle cell crises, increased vulnerability to infections, and chronic fatigue due to anaemia.

Individuals who carry the sickle cell trait need to be aware that while they themselves do not have the disease, there is a possibility of having children affected by it. Under certain conditions, such as during surgery or intense physical exertion, carriers might also face specific health risks due to the decreased oxygen levels.

The NHS further elaborated that while anyone can be a carrier of the sickle cell trait, it is more frequently found in individuals from certain ethnic backgrounds. In the UK, most carriers have familial links to Africa or the Caribbean.

Expectant mothers in England are routinely offered screening for sickle cell disease to assess the risk of having a child with the condition. In regions where the disease is more common, pregnant women receive a blood test to check for the trait, while in areas with lower prevalence, a family origins questionnaire is utilized to determine testing necessity. Early screening is advised, ideally before the 10-week mark of pregnancy, to allow couples sufficient time to consider additional testing options.

In addition to this health initiative, the NHS has responded to an online parliamentary petition advocating for sickle cell disease to be included in a list of conditions exempt from prescription charges. Currently, treatments for sickle cell disease are not on the exemption list, which many argue is unfair to patients who may struggle financially due to the costs of essential medications.

As of 11 August 2025, the petition titled “Add Sickle Cell Disease to NHS Prescription Charge Exemption List” has gathered over 25,700 signatures. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament. Proponents of the petition argue that many patients who cannot work still face substantial monthly expenses for necessary medications.

The Government has responded to the petition, stating that there are “extensive arrangements” in place to ensure affordability of prescriptions in England. According to official figures, approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community, and various exemptions already exist for those with sickle cell disease.

For more information about testing and screening for sickle cell trait and disease, individuals can visit the NHS website.