Validity of peripheral blood smear as a screening tool for Sickle Cell Anemia: Comparison with electrophoresis

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of peripheral smear morphology as a screening tool for Sickle cell trait/disease by comparing its results with hemoglobin electrophoresis. Methodology: Two hundred persons of Sheedi/ Makrani caste were included in the study during the period of one year from Lyari General Hospital, Karachi. Peripheral smears were prepared and electrophoresis was performed on their blood samples. Analysis was performed on SPSS 16. Results: Peripheral smear was found to be very sensitive and specific for Sickle cell disease, it was also found to be 100% specific for Sickle cell trait but it was not a very sensitive tool for Sickle trait screening. Conclusion: CBC and smear morphology can be utilized for Sickle screening in high-risk areas, which can further be backed up by more sophisticated techniques in doubtful cases. (author)