Virginia Blood Services supplies blood transfusions for sickle cell disease

Sickle Cell Program

What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease that affects the shape and function of the red blood cell (the part of blood that delivers oxygen and iron throughout our bodies).

Is it serious?
Yes, it is. When a person has sickle cell disease, their red blood cells change from the usual round and soft shape to a hard, "sickle-like" shape. These sickle-shaped cells stick together and block the flow of blood and oxygen in the body. This causes extreme pain and can damage tissues and vital organs. Other complications include anemia, stroke and serious infections.

Is there a cure for sickle cell disease?
There is no cure, but there is treatment. There is medicine to help keep red blood cells from sticking together, antibiotics to help fight infection, pain medication and blood transfusions. Transfusions may be needed often, so it is important to find the "best possible match" for patients as fast as possible.

How do you know that my blood is the "best match?"
Red blood cells carry specific identification called "markers" that determine blood type. When your body is exposed to something foreign, like a blood transfusion, your immune system tries to protect you. It may send out antibodies to try to destroy these new red blood cells. For a person with sickle cell disease, this can be a life or death complication. Blood must be closely matched from donor to patient to try and make sure this doesn't happen.

In the United States, most patients with sickle cell disease are African-American. If you are African-American, your blood may be the best match for an African-American child or adult with sickle cell disease.

What can I do?
Doctors at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center often ask for blood from sickle negative African-Americans for their African-American patients with sickle cell disease to provide the best possible match. Many times, that blood is not available. If you are an African-American with sickle negative blood, your donation can help a patient with sickle cell disease.

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