Sickle cell test is a simple blood test used to determine whether or not you have sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease that causes red blood cells to be deformed (sickle-shaped camera.gif). The red blood cells deform because they contain an abnormal type of hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S, instead of the normal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin A. Sickled blood cells are destroyed by the body faster than normal blood cells. This causes anemia. Also, sickled cells can get trapped in blood vessels and reduce or block blood flow. This can damage organs, muscles, and bones and may lead to life-threatening conditions.