Sickling Test Treatment in India

Ayaan Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer...

Ayaan Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer originally from Gujarat, India, had always been a healthy and active individual. However, over the past year, he began experiencing episodes of severe, unexplained pain in his back and legs, often triggered by intense workouts or even long flights. The pain was debilitating, forcing him to miss work. He also noticed increasing fatigue. His new primary care physician, Dr. Chen, took a detailed family history and learned Ayaan's paternal cousin had been diagnosed with a blood disorder. Given his symptoms and ethnic background, Dr. Chen was concerned about sickle cell trait or disease. She recommended a Sickling Test (Sodium Metabisulfite test) as a first-line screening to see if his red blood cells would sickle under low-oxygen conditions. The procedure itself was straightforward, a simple blood draw from his arm. Ayaan felt anxious but hopeful for an answer. A week later, the test came back positive, indicating sickle cell trait. While relieved to have a diagnosis, he felt a wave of concern about his future health and family planning. With the result, Dr. Chen referred him to a hematologist for confirmatory hemoglobin electrophoresis and comprehensive counseling. Ayaan now manages his condition by staying hydrated, avoiding extreme physical stress, and understanding his genetic risk. Emotionally, he moved from frustration and fear to empowerment and proactive management.