The KIS Foundation, Inc.

Understanding the difference between Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) is crucial.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a serious, lifelong genetic condition where individuals inherit two abnormal hemoglobin genes (or one sickle gene and another abnormal hemoglobin gene). This leads to red blood cells becoming rigid, sticky, and sickle-shaped. Complications can include chronic anemia, blocked blood flow, severe pain crises, and organ damage.

Sickle Cell Trait (SCT), on the other hand, means inheriting only one abnormal sickle cell gene and one normal gene.

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