Which of the following patients would have the highest percentage of hemoglobin S?
A) A neonate with sickle cell disease
B) An adult with sickle cell disease
C) An adult with sickle cell trait
D) An adult with SC disease

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adults with sickle cell disease have the highest percentage of hemoglobin S because their bodies produce primarily hemoglobin S instead of normal hemoglobin A. Neonates, even those with sickle cell disease, still have a significant amount of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) which interferes with the polymerization of HbS, reducing its concentration. Adults with sickle cell trait have one normal beta-globin gene and one sickle cell gene, leading to less production of HbS compared to those with sickle cell disease. SC disease involves a different abnormal hemoglobin (HbC) along with HbS, but the proportion of HbS is not as high as in sickle cell disease.

Which of the Following Patients Would Have the Highest Percentage