sickle cell trait

trait (trāt)

1. any genetically determined characteristic; also, the condition prevailing in the heterozygous state of a recessive disorder, as the sickle cell trait.

2. a distinctive behavior pattern.

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sickle cell trait  the condition, usually asymptomatic, due to heterozygosity for hemoglobin S.

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sickle cell trait

n.

A hereditary condition, usually harmless and without symptoms, in which an individual carries only one gene for sickle cell anemia.

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sickle cell trait,

the heterozygous form of sickle cell anemia, characterized by the presence of both hemoglobin S and hemoglobin A in the red blood cells. Anemia and the other signs of sickle cell anemia do not occur. People who have the trait are informed of and counseled about the possibility of having an infant with sickle cell disease if both parents have the trait. See also hemoglobin S.

Sickle cell inheritance pattern

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trait (trāt),

n an inherited set of mental or bodily characteristics.

trait, Cooley's,

n.pr See thalassemia minor.

trait, sickle cell,

n a form of sickle cell disease in which patients are asymptomatic but their erythrocytes can be caused to assume a sickle shape under certain conditions. The trait is present when one parent has the gene (heterozygous condition) for sickle cell disease. See also disease, sickle cell.

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sickle cell trait

Heterozygosity for HbS seen in 8% of US blacks, up to 30% of African populations Clinical No anemia, normal growth, development, lifespan, slight ↑ in sudden unexplained death; hematuria, splenic infarction. See Sickle cell disease.