We want to celebrate the patients, their families, doctors, nurses, researchers and laboratory professionals who work every day to raise awareness of sickle cell disease (SCD) and fight back against this devastating illness.

We are thankful for their contributions, and together we recognize World Sickle Cell Day (June 19, 2020), for the hope research and technology brings for future treatments and the possibility of a cure.

Sickle Cell Fighter has ‘Many Reasons to Smile’

Katherine Kay Blevens chooses to celebrate the purest joys in her life – husband, children and grandchildren, despite being diagnosed with sickle cell disease as a baby.  Read more about Katherine’s fight.

RBCE Offers Hope for Patients with Sickle Cell

The option for red blood cell exchange (RBCE) transfusion remains an effective therapy in the management of patients with acute and chronic sickle cell disease. Yet, the treatment seems to be underutilized currently. Our therapeutic apheresis team aims to change this.

RBCE can be elective for those sickle cell disease patients whose clinical circumstances are best managed by performing exchange every six to eight weeks. By comparison, emergency exchanges are indicated when a patient presents with such complications as acute chest syndrome, stroke, vaso-occlusive pain crisis, or hepatic or renal dysfunction. In general, red cell exchange should be performed in sickle cell patients needing chronic transfusion whenever possible, as the advantages outweigh the disadvantages if this option is available.

Together, with our hospital partners, we are having a positive impact on local patients with sickle cell disease. We welcome the opportunity to review our RBC exchange protocols, and discuss the number of considerations that contribute to a successful outcome. For more information on red cell exchanges performed by the Clinical Apheresis team at Carter BloodCare watch this quick video.