Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPHON Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary method used for the identification of sickle cell disease (SCD) in newborns is universal newborn screening. This screening is conducted shortly after birth and is aimed at detecting various genetic conditions, including SCD, at an early stage. The significance of universal newborn screening lies in its ability to facilitate early intervention and management, which can greatly improve health outcomes for affected infants.

Newborn screening programs typically utilize a blood sample collected via a heel prick, which is then tested for the presence of hemoglobin variants associated with SCD. This proactive approach allows for prompt medical attention, enabling healthcare providers to implement treatments and monitoring strategies necessary to mitigate complications associated with the disease.

While hemoglobin electrophoresis is an important diagnostic tool used to characterize different types of hemoglobin and confirm SCD, it is not the primary method for initial identification in newborns. Routine blood smears and parenteral blood transfusions do not specifically target the identification of SCD and are not typically used in standard screening protocols for this purpose. Thus, universal newborn screening plays a critical role in the early detection of SCD in the newborn population.