NEWBORN SCREENING

Illinois performs "newborn screening" on all new babies within the first few days of their life. This is how sickle cell trait (SCT) and sickle cell disease (SCD) are found.

Newborn screening can also help identify other details about your baby's health.

Was your child or a family member recently diagnosed with SCT or SCT?

This video walks you through the journey of diagnosis and what to expect. It can be a scary time where you feel like you're constantly seeking answers. SCDAI is here to help and support you, and make sure you are connected to all the resources you need to thrive with your new diagnosis!

Education & Resources

Illinois Department of Public Health

Screening is typically done at 24-48 hours of life in order to detect conditions or disorders in newborns soon after birth.

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Baby's First Test

Baby's First Test is the nation's newborn screening education resource center for families and health professionals.

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Sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait are detectable at birth via newborn screening. Early detection and parental notification of the infant’s disease state is a vital component in the prevention of infant death and timely treatment of the potential complications of the disease. Parental notification regarding the infant’s positive results for sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait and other abnormal hemoglobinopathies begins the essential process of awareness, education, counseling and connection with a medical home.

Illinois started universal newborn screening for sickle cell diseases in 1989; each year approximately 100 infants are diagnosed with a form of sickle cell disease.