M. P. Shah Hospital Haematology clinic is committed to the diagnosis and management of benign blood disorders and diseases of blood-forming organs such as the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.
The Haematology clinic is run at the Main Hospital in Parklands.
Why would I be referred to the Haematology Clinic?
The most common reason is your doctor has recommended that you see a haematologist because you are at risk for a condition involving your red or white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, or spleen. Some of these conditions are anaemia [low haemoglobin] or a disease that prevents your blood from clotting.
How would my doctor know I have a blood disorder?
This can be detected from your total blood counts which may show very high or very low levels of blood cells such as white cells, platelets, red cells or haemoglobin[Hb]. Blood disorders are also suspected if you have nose bleeds, recurrent infections, yellowing of your eyes, and other similar symptoms that point to blood disorders.
If I am referred to a haematologist does it mean I have blood cancer?
A referral to a haematologist does not mean that you have cancer. Among the diseases a haematologist may treat or participate in treating: Anaemia, sickle cell disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders like thrombocytopenia, and others.
I have been referred to a haematologist for bone marrow biopsy, what is that?
Bone marrow biopsy is indicated where your doctor has already seen evidence of abnormal cells in your blood that warrant further investigation. This procedure is done as an outpatient day case under light sedation or local anaesthesia. It allows a closer look at your bone marrow where blood cells are made. This will be further explained to you when you come for the procedure.
I have Sickle Cell disease, and I have been referred for a Red Cell Exchange Procedure. What is this and how do I go about it?
You have been referred here for a special procedure known as Red Blood Cell Exchange [RBCX].
Your Doctor has requested that our Clinical Apheresis team perform this procedure. RBCX is usually done in patients with Sickle Cell Disease [SCD] and may be done as a one-off procedure or as part of chronic transfusion regimen to reduce HbS to less than 30%. Reducing HBS has the effect of treating an acute crisis or preventing complications of SCD as explained below.
What is RBCX or Apheresis?
Apheresis is the process of withdrawing blood from a patient, removing a specific blood component, then reinfusing the remaining blood components back to the patient. Red Cell Exchange [RBCX] or apheresis is therefore the removal of a predetermined volume of red blood cells and transfusion of an equal volume donor red blood cells in exchange. All other blood components [plasma, platelets are reinfused back to the patient. The volume of red cells exchanged is determined by your height, weight, and targets for the procedure. Indications for RBCs in Sickle Cell include:
- Stroke – both in the acute phase or as part of long-term prophylaxis in younger patients
- Prophylactic RBCx before major surgery e.g hip replacement
- Severe pain crisis or haemolytic crisis unresponsive to the recommended treatment
- Priapism
- Acute chest Syndrome
- Severe iron overload in patients requiring frequent or chronic transfusions
Clinic Schedule:
Main Hospital Doctors Plaza (Specialty Clinic) Thursdays 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
To book an appointment call: 0204291000
Or email us at: bookings@mpshahhosp.org
