The retic count will then be high. This test is done before giving blood transfusions to make sure that the blood your child will be given matches your child's blood type. It is done before every transfusion is given. This test will show the type of hemoglobin you and your child have. Your sickle cell doctor will not give a transfusion unless it is absolutely necessary.
Many parents are very anxious about transfusions.
These concerns are real. If you have religious beliefs or concerns about receiving blood transfusions, please discuss them with your child's doctor or nurse. Since people with sickle cell disease cannot be transfused with blood that has the sickle trait, family members often cannot donate blood for the child's transfusions. People are always concerned about the risk of getting infections like AIDS and hepatitis from a transfusion. We will only transfuse your child if we feel that the risk of the transfusion is less than the risk of the sickle cell problem we are treating.