Awoman whose hemoglobin S levels are less than 1% has a brother with sickle cell disease, and both parents have been diagnosed as carriers for the disorder. She asks what her risks are of having a child with sickle cell disease. What is the best response?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sickle cell disease is an autosomal-recessive genetic disorder. This woman does not have either sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, as evidenced by the fact that her HbS levels are less than 1%. Thus, regardless of her partner's sickle cell status, she will not have a child with actual sickle cell disease. However, if her partner is a carrier, any child she has with this partner has a 50% risk of having sickle cell trait. If her partner has sickle cell disease, any child she has will be a carrier of sickle cell trait.

Awoman Whose Hemoglobin S Levels Are Less Than 1% Has