Blood Group & Sickle Genotype - Couple (AA, AS, SS)

This test is designed for couples, providing both partners with a complete picture of their blood type and inherited haemoglobin makeup in a single visit. It combines standard blood grouping with a detailed analysis of your haemoglobin, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to identify normal and abnormal haemoglobin types. For couples, the real value lies in interpreting both sets of results together, as it is the combination of both partners' genetics that determines the risk of passing an inherited condition to a child.

Blood group

Blood grouping determines your blood type based on certain antigens on the surface of your red blood cells. For each partner, this test identifies:

• ABO type (A, B, AB, or O)
• Rh factor (positive or negative)

Haemoglobin genotype

Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Your haemoglobin genotype is inherited from your parents and determines the type of haemoglobin you produce. Most people have a normal genotype (HbAA), but some inherit variants that can lead to conditions such as sickle cell disease or beta-thalassaemia. For each partner, this test assesses:

• Sickle cell status
• Beta-thalassaemia status
• Haemoglobin components, including HbA0, HbA2, HbF, HbS, HbA1c, and any other haemoglobin variants present

Why it matters for couples

When both partners are tested together, the results give a clear picture of your combined genetic makeup and the chance of passing an inherited condition to your children. This is particularly valuable when:

• Planning a pregnancy, to understand your risk before conceiving
• One or both partners have a family history of sickle cell disease or beta-thalassaemia
• One or both partners are from a background where these conditions are more common, including African, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South and Southeast Asian heritage

If both partners are found to carry the same trait, there is a higher chance of having a child with the condition. In this situation, we recommend speaking with your GP or a genetic counsellor, who can explain your specific risk and the options available to you.

If you are specifically concerned about alpha-thalassaemia, our Blood Group & Sickle Cell Genotype + Thalassaemia Screen (Couple) extends screening to include this.

This test provides a complete picture of your blood type and your inherited haemoglobin makeup in a single sample. It combines standard blood grouping with a detailed analysis of your haemoglobin, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to identify normal and abnormal haemoglobin types.

Blood group

Blood grouping determines your blood type based on certain antigens on the surface of your red blood cells. This test identifies:

• ABO type (A, B, AB, or O)
• Rh factor (positive or negative)

Haemoglobin genotype

Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Your haemoglobin genotype is inherited from your parents and determines the type of haemoglobin you produce. Most people have a normal genotype (HbAA), but some inherit variants that can lead to conditions such as sickle cell disease or beta-thalassaemia. This test assesses:

• Sickle cell status
• Beta-thalassaemia status
• Haemoglobin components, including HbA0, HbA2, HbF, HbS, HbA1c, and any other haemoglobin variants present

Why it matters

Knowing your blood group and haemoglobin genotype is valuable for:

• Safe blood transfusion, by ensuring a compatible match
• Pregnancy planning and management, including Rh compatibility
• Understanding genetic compatibility between partners
• Assessing the risk of passing on inherited conditions such as sickle cell disease or beta-thalassaemia to children

No special preparation required.

For blood tests, we recommend drinking plenty of water beforehand to ensure smooth sample collection. If you are taking any regular medication, continue to do so unless advised otherwise by your doctor.