The State of Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) Public Health Laboratories under their Newborn Screening Program tests all newborns in our state for sickle cell disease among several other genetic disorders. If the screen is positive, TDOH requests the clinical agency to send a blood sample to the MSCC for final confirmation and diagnosis of the hemoglobin disorder. Therefore, the MSCC plays a key role in confirming blood disease in affected babies so that they get prompt and appropriate care and management.  

MSCC services include hemoglobinopathy testing, genetic counseling, and education about sickle cell and other blood disorders to the community and health care providers. The Adult Sickle Cell Clinic housed at Nashville General Hospital provides specialty care to adults with sickle cell or other hemoglobin disorders.  

Babies with sickle cell or other hemoglobin disorders who are born in the Middle Tennessee region are followed-up by the MSCC. The first doctor’s visit is at Meharry Pediatrics. At this visit, the baby is checked, placed on needed medication and family is counseled. Free hemoglobinopathy testing is available to all family members. Thereafter, the MSCC refers the baby to a pediatric hematologist for specialty care at a large tertiary health care center. Out of state newborn babies confirmed by the MSCC are followed-up at their respective Regional Genetic Centers.