Explanation
•RBCs become characteristically elongated and crescent shaped (sickled) when they are exposed to low oxygen tension, a low blood pH or increased blood viscosity, such as occurs with dehydration or hypoxia.
•When RBCs sickle, they do not move freely through vessels. Stasis and further sickling causes blockage and ischemia, resulting in acute pain and cell destruction.
•The actual anemia is caused by hemolysis, not deoxygenated blood cells.
•Sickle cell anemia is not an autoimmune disease.
•Tissue damage is not a result of elevated bilirubin.