Comprehensive Case Study: Diagnosing and Managing Sickle Cell Anemia

This case study presents the clinical evaluation and diagnostic process of a four-year-old male child diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, who presented with fever and joint pain. The study details the use of various laboratory tests, including blood smear analysis to assess RBC, WBC, and platelet counts, and the normochromic normocytic anemia test to evaluate hemoglobin levels. The hematocrit test revealed a low percentage of erythrocytes, while the osmotic fragility test indicated no risk of hemolytic anemia. Ultimately, hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed the presence of sickle cell anemia. The discussion highlights the significance of these tests in diagnosing the condition and differentiating it from other types of anemia, such as iron-deficiency anemia. The methods used, including homolysate preparation and electrophoresis, are described, along with the interpretation of results and a comprehensive list of references. The case study provides a valuable insight into the diagnostic approach for sickle cell anemia.