Inexpensively Diagnosing Sickle Cell Disease Under Conditions with Poor Technological Infrastructure

SLU ID 10-024| Sickle Cell Confirm Modified Hemoglobin Solubility Test

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S (Hgb S). The disease is most prevalent in Africa, particularly in the sub-Saharan area. It is also observed in Haiti, the Mediterranean area, as well as India. Thalassemia, like sickle cell disease, is also a disorder of hemoglobin. There are many forms of thalassemia but patients with certain forms can present to a physician similarly as a patient with sickle cell disease. Patients with sickle cell disease need continuous treatment, even when they are not having a painful crisis. Unfortunately, both sickle cell heterozygotes (Hgb AS) and homozygotes (Hgb SS) produce a positive test, thereby requiring complex confirmatory testing, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis, HPLC or genetic testing, to distinguish zygosity. These methods are impractical in underdeveloped countries.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed a simple, inexpensive method of determining sickle-cell zygosity. The method may be easily practiced in underdeveloped countries.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimizing the costs of determining sickle-cell zygosity

• Minimizing the complexity of determining sickle-cell zygosity

• Minimizing the need for advanced infrastructure to determine sickle-cell zygosity

Applications

The potential applications of this technology include:

• treating sickle cell disease in underdeveloped countries

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.

References

Reference related technology SLU Tech ID 12-019.