Sickle Cell Disease Test Available At Upcoming Middlesex County Blood Drive

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Free sickle cell trait testing is available at an upcoming blood drive in the South Brunswick area.

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and the New York Blood Center is offering free testing the entire month of September at select blood drives. One is in Monmouth Junction on September 22.

The inherited red blood cell disease is most common among Black and African-American people, and can be diagnosed with a blood test. Sickle cell disease patients often need blood transfusions every few weeks to stay healthy, and need closely-matched blood donors, the blood center explained.

According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, about 1 in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with sickle cell trait. The disease affects approximately 100,00 Americans.

"People who inherit one sickle cell gene and one normal gene have sickle cell trait," the New York Blood Center said. "While if a person tests positive for sickle cell trait it does not mean that they have sickle cell disease, it does demonstrate that they can pass the trait on to their children. Understanding one’s sickle cell trait can help them to make better decisions for their health and their families."

Sickle cell disease occurs in about one of every 365 Black or African-American births and one of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births, the CDC says.

The blood drive is at the Public Works and Utilities Building (540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction NJ 08852). It's in the A and B meeting rooms. Appointments are available from 11:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22.

"Donors of diverse backgrounds may also be screened for special antigen markers to find a better match for patients in need, as sickle cell patients often require blood from donors with similar antigens during treatment," the New York Blood Center said.

Click here for more information and to sign up.