OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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In sickle cell trait the abnormal haemoglobin is:

a. Hb A
b. Hb A2
c. Hb F
d. Hb S

The correct answer is: d. Hb S

In individuals with sickle cell trait, the abnormal hemoglobin is Hb S. Sickle cell trait occurs when a person inherits one normal hemoglobin gene (Hb A) and one sickle hemoglobin gene (Hb S). This results in the presence of both hemoglobin A and hemoglobin S in the blood. While hemoglobin A remains predominant and functions normally, the presence of Hb S can lead to some sickling of red blood cells, though typically not to the extent seen in sickle cell disease, which occurs when two copies of the Hb S gene are inherited. The characteristic feature of sickle cell trait is that it provides some protection against malaria while usually not resulting in severe symptoms associated with sickle cell disease. In contrast, Hb A, Hb A2, and Hb F are types of hemoglobin present in normal physiology or in different conditions but do not describe the specific abnormality associated with sickle cell trait.