Pediatric Hematology Specialists in South Africa

Pediatric hematologists are medical doctors who have had at least 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency in pediatrics and at least an additional 3 years of fellowship training in pediatric hematology.

Infants, children, and adolescents have unique medical needs because their bodies are constantly growing. They express their concerns in a different way and cannot always answer medical questions. Pediatric hematologists have the expertise needed to examine and interact with the children so that they can get the answers to their questions.

Their hospitals and offices are decorated with cartoon characters and have materials such as videos, games, and books for the children to use.

• Bleeding disorders
• Diseases of the blood cells including disorders of the red cells, white cells, and platelets
• Cancers such as lymphomas, leukemia, bone tumors, brain tumors and solid tumors
• Aplastic anemia
• Coagulation disorders
• Blood clots
• Vitamin deficiencies affecting the blood
• Neutrophil disorders
• Thalassemias
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Sickle cell disease

• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: This uses x-rays from different angles and a computer to analyze the data. Cross-sectional images that are detailed are produced.
• MRA (magnetic resonance angiography): This test does not use radiation or x-rays. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed cross-sectional images of blood vessels. This helps in the diagnosis and treatment of blood vessel diseases such as stroke.
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis: This is a blood test which is used to confirm the presence of sickle cell disease and various inherited disorders which affect the red blood cells.
• HLA testing: This is a blood test to determine whether an organ or bone marrow donor is a good match for a patient.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate cross-sectional images of soft tissues in the body. It does not use x-rays or radiation.
• PET (positron emission tomography) scan: This test involves giving a radioactive drug (tracer) attached to a sugar molecule to the patient. The tracer is then observed with the PET machine in areas of high activity.
• PET/MRI: This is an integrated and innovative imaging technology that combines two imaging technologies in one device means a child will undergo one imaging procedure instead of two.
• Bone marrow aspirate: This is a procedure in which the liquid part of the bone marrow is collected to diagnose diseases such as leukemia or other cancer involvement.
• Bone marrow biopsy: This is a procedure in which the solid core of the bone marrow is collected to aid in the diagnosis of cancers such as leukemia.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This involves collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. It is done by inserting a needle between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, avoiding the nerves of the spinal cord.
• Stem cell transplant: This is a procedure used to treat certain lymphomas, leukemias, solid tumors and benign blood disorders. The stem cell source can be blood, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood.