Hemoglobin S identification in blood donors: A cross section of prevalence.

Introduction: In Brazil, the sickle cell trait (SCT) has an average prevalence of 4% in the general population and 6-10% among Afro-descendants. Although SCT is highly prevalent, a large segment of the population ignores their status. The Therapeutic Guidelines prohibit the transfusion of SCT red blood cells into patients with hemoglobin disorders or severe acidosis and newborns.