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Hemoglobinopathy Lab

UCSF's pediatric Hemoglobinopathy Lab, based at our Oakland location, provides comprehensive services for the diagnosis of red blood cell diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. We offer a wide range of inpatient and outpatient tests for kids from birth to adolescence. As the main support for California's newborn screening program, we provide confirmatory testing on all the state's babies born with a risk for red blood cell disease. Since opening in 1973, we've screened thousands of newborns in California and dozens of other states. The lab is certified by both the College of American Pathologists and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act and is considered one of California's top facilities for blood screening.

We know how scary needles are for children, so we've worked hard to take as much of the trauma out of the process as we can. Our staff phlebotomists are experts at collecting samples from infants and children, using techniques that minimize the amount of blood drawn while making your child as comfortable as possible. We generally provide results with a clinical interpretation and recommendations within two weeks of sample collection. We'll let you know if it's going to take less or more time. Our staff hematologists (blood specialists) are available for consultation.

The lab is not only critical to patient care, but also a vital resource for researchers working to advance understanding of red blood cell diseases and develop better treatments. We're proud of our ability to combine family-focused care and medical research.

Our locations (1)

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Related clinics (3)

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    Hematology Clinic

    Hematology Clinic

    San Francisco / Fresno / Greenbrae / Oakland / Santa Rosa / Walnut Creek

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    Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center

    Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center

    747 52nd St.
    Oakland, CA 94609

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    Thalassemia Center

    Thalassemia Center

    747 52nd St.
    Oakland, CA 94609

    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Stress-free visits

    Accommodations. Admissions. Procedure prep. Get the info you need for smoother hospital stays.

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