Red blood cells usually look like round discs. But in sickle cell disease, they're shaped like crescent moons, or an old farm tool known as a sickle. These sickle shaped cells get stuck together easily, and block off small blood vessels. When blood can't get to where it should, it can lead to pain and organ damage.

What shape is a sickle cell?

Red blood cells with normal hemoglobin are smooth, disk-shaped, and flexible, like doughnuts without holes. They can move through the blood vessels easily. Cells with sickle cell hemoglobin are stiff and sticky. When they lose their oxygen, they form into the shape of a sickle or crescent, like the letter C.

How do you know your sickle cell?

The best way to check for sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease is to look at the blood using a method called high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This test identifies which type of hemoglobin is present. To confirm the results of HPLC, a genetic test may be done.