Hemoglobinopathies

In this comprehensive review, the authors describe current techniques to diagnose and monitor sickle cell disease, such as complete blood cell count, peripheral blood smear, and solubility sickling test; confirmatory tests, including hemoglobin separation techniques; and genetic tests such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism), and DNA microarrays and sequencing techniques. They then delve into innovative approaches which they describe as “advanced portable point of care techniques” that “provide a low-cost, simple, and user-friendly device for detecting SCD, for instance coupling solubility tests with portable devices, using smartphone microscopic classifications, image processing techniques, rapid immunoassays, and sensor-based platforms.”