What does it mean for a donation to be hemoglobin S negative?
Why some units are tested
For certain sickle cell patients, clinicians prefer red cells that do not carry the sickle trait. Blood organizations test for this when needed.
You do not need to know in advance
You can donate without knowing whether you carry the sickle cell trait. If it is relevant, the blood organization handles the testing.
Carrying the trait
Having sickle cell trait does not usually stop you from donating whole blood. The center can advise based on your situation.
Blood matching is complex. Similar ancestry can increase the chance of compatibility for some patients, but compatibility is determined by blood testing.
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This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening.
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative
- AABB: diversity in the donor pool
- American Red Cross: eligibility requirements
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Editorial review:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Clinical reviewer:
- Not yet clinically reviewed
- Confidence:
- Medium confidence