Blood Conditions and Blood Report Changes

You should see a hematologist if:

• Your blood counts (hemoglobin, platelets, white cells) are abnormal for more than 2 weeks
• Your family doctor referred you to a specialist
• You have symptoms like constant tiredness, easy bruising, or frequent infections
• You have a family history of blood disorders like thalassemia
• Your anemia is not improving despite taking iron tablets

One abnormal blood test doesn’t always mean you need a specialist—but if it persists or you have symptoms, it’s worth getting checked.

Anemia means low hemoglobin or low red blood cells. It’s a symptom, not a disease. Anemia can have many causes: iron deficiency, vitamin B12 lack, blood loss, chronic disease, or inherited disorders.

Thalassemia is a specific inherited blood disorder where your body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin properly. It’s passed from parents to children through genes. Thalassemia causes anemia, but not all anemia is thalassemia.

Key difference: Anemia from iron deficiency improves with iron tablets. Thalassemia does not improve with iron—it needs different management.

For most blood count tests (CBC, hemoglobin, platelet count), you do NOT need to fast. You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Fasting IS required for:

• Blood sugar tests (fasting glucose)
• Lipid profile (cholesterol tests)
• Some liver function tests

Tip: When you book your blood test, ask the lab whether fasting is needed for your specific tests. If unsure, it’s safe to fast for 8-10 hours (water is allowed).

A typical first consultation takes 15-20 minutes. This includes:

• Reviewing your symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination (checking for pallor, lymph nodes, spleen size, etc.)
• Looking at your blood reports
• Explaining the diagnosis and treatment plan
• Answering your questions

Follow-up visits are usually shorter (10-15 minutes) to review test results and adjust treatment.

Tip: Bring all your old reports and write down your questions beforehand to make the most of your time.

Yes, very low platelet counts can be dangerous because platelets help your blood clot. During dengue fever, platelet counts often drop.

When to worry:

• Platelet count below 20,000 (high bleeding risk)
• Signs of bleeding: blood in vomit, black stools, severe nosebleeds
• Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting

Good news: In most dengue cases, platelets recover on their own within 1-2 weeks. You need close monitoring, rest, and plenty of fluids.

When to see a specialist: If platelets don’t recover after 3-4 weeks, or if you have repeated low platelet episodes, see a hematologist to rule out other causes.

Hemoglobin electrophoresis (HPLC) is a blood test that identifies different types of hemoglobin in your blood. It’s used to diagnose thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders.

When is it needed?

• Anemia that doesn’t improve with iron tablets
• Family history of thalassemia
• Pre-marriage screening (to check if you’re a carrier)
• Small red blood cells (low MCV) on CBC report
• Your doctor suspects a hemoglobin disorder

Results show: Normal hemoglobin (HbA), fetal hemoglobin (HbF), abnormal hemoglobin (HbE, HbS), and percentages of each type. A specialist interprets these results in context with your symptoms and family history.

Yes, absolutely recommended—especially in Bangladesh where thalassemia carriers are common (about 10% of the population).

Why it matters:

• If both partners are carriers, there’s a 25% chance each child will have severe thalassemia major (needs lifelong blood transfusions)
• Knowing your status helps you make informed family planning decisions
• Simple blood test: CBC + Hemoglobin Electrophoresis (HPLC)

Who should definitely get tested:

• Anyone with family history of thalassemia
• People with chronic mild anemia
• Couples planning marriage (both partners should test)

Good news: Being a carrier (thalassemia trait) is NOT a disease. Carriers live normal, healthy lives. The concern is only when both partners are carriers.

Chamber Locations & Timings:

Consultation Fee: Please call +880 9613 787801 for current fees and to book your serial number.

Important: Serial booking is required. Walk-in patients may face long waiting times.