Hemoglobin Trait (C, D, E or Unidentified)

Abnormal Newborn Screening Results and Additional Testing

If your baby’s newborn screening results are abnormal for a hemoglobin trait, the Utah Newborn Screening Program will contact you and your child’s pediatrician with follow-up recommendations.

Additionally, have a discussion with your baby’s doctor about the result, the next steps, and the importance of the result for yourself, your child, and your family. Keep a record of the test results and information from the newborn screening program for future reference.

A Hemoglobin trait is not a disease. Trait is when a person has some normal hemoglobin and some abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is part of the red blood cells and its job is to carry oxygen throughout the body. One type of testing done in newborn screening is to look for a group of disorders called hemoglobinopathies.

Hemoglobinopathies are inherited disorders that affect the structure of the hemoglobin. You may be familiar with the most common hemoglobinopathy, sickle cell disease. However, unlike sickle cell disease, an individual with trait is expected to be healthy and could live their whole life without knowing they have trait.

While sickle cell trait is the most common trait, there are many other traits as well – such as C trait, E trait, D trait or U (unknown) trait. When any trait is inherited along with normal hemoglobin, it is expected that a person would be healthy.

Parents of babies with a trait should:

• Have a discussion with their baby’s health care provider about the result, their next steps, and the importance of the result for themselves, their child, and their family.
• Have their baby retested for the trait at 6 to 9 months of age to confirm the result.
• Keep a record of the test results and the information from the newborn screening program for future reference.