Children who inherit the sickle cell gene from only one parent will not have the disease. They will have sickle cell trait, generally have no symptoms but can act as carriers of the illness and pass the sickle cell gene on to their children. ("What Causes Sickle Cell Anemia," NIH, 2003) .

             Today, screening tests are done on newborn infants in most states for anemia. ("Diagnosis," NIH, 2003) This screening includes a simple blood test for sickle cell anemia on all newborn infants. This test uses blood from the same blood samples as other routine newborn screening tests. If the first test shows that the sickle hemoglobin is present, a second blood test is done to confirm the diagnosis. These tests also tell whether the child carries the sickle cell trait. It is also possible to identify sickle cell anemia before birth by getting a sample of amniotic fluid or tissue taken from the placenta. This test can be done as early as the first few months of pregnancy. ("Diagnosis," NIH, 2003) .

             Contributing causes of the disability .

             As sickle cell anemia is inherited there are no contributing causes as such, although sickle cell anemia has a higher instance in individuals of African heritage. . ("What is Sickle Cell Anemia," NIH, 2003) .

             Relation of the disability to other diagnosis.

             Sometimes, anemia-like symptoms are similar between individuals with sickle cell anemia and other forms of anemia. But as the cause of the low iron is different in sickle cell patients, and is a blood absorption issue rather than a dietary issue, the two illnesses are not related. ("What is Sickle Cell Anemia," NIH, 2003) .

             Treatment(s) for the condition such as physical or occupation therapy.

             Sickle cell anemia is a serious disease and there is no cure. Bone marrow transplantation offers a cure, but very few patients have matched donors. Some patients also do not want bone marrow transplants because of the risks involved. However, o the past 30 years, doctors have learned a great deal about the disease.