Purpose/Principle

SICKLEDEX is a qualitative solubility assay testing for the presence of sickling hemoglobin in blood. Deoxygenated Hemoglobin S (Hgb-S) is insoluble in the presence of a concentrated phosphate buffer solution and forms a turbid suspension that can be easily visualized. Normal Hemoglobin A and other
hemoglobin remain in solution under these conditions. These different qualitative outcomes allow for the detection of sickle cell disease and trait.

SICKLEDEX uses Saponin to lyse the red blood cells. Sodium Hydrosulfite then reduces the released hemoglobin. Reduced Hgb-S is insoluble in the concentrated phosphate buffer and forms a cloudy, turbid suspension.

The SICKLEDEX test is a qualitative screening procedure and does not differentiate between sickle cell disease (S/S) and sickle cell trait (A/S). All positive patients should be further evaluated by hemoglobin electrophoresis.