VCGS education
VCGS education

NBS forum sickle cell disease

NBS forum sickle cell disease NBS forum sickle cell disease NBS forum sickle cell disease

NBS forum sickle cell disease

NBS forum sickle cell disease NBS forum sickle cell disease NBS forum sickle cell disease

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect haemoglobin - the protein in

It’s caused by changes in the HBB gene, which lead to the production of abnormal haemoglobin. This can cause red blood cells to become rigid and sickle shaped - reducing their ability to carry oxygen.  


This can lead to anaemia, infection and other serious health complications.   

Early diagnosis through NBS allows timely management of the condition. This includes preventing complications, treating acute episodes and providing specialist care to improve outcomes.  




Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) for biotinidase deficiency

 Join us for our upcoming NBS forum. 


When: Wednesday 25 March at 6pm (AEDT)  

Where: Online (Zoom)  

Topic: Sickle cell disease

Featuring a panel of experts, this forum will: 

  • discuss sickle cell disease screening
  • review the current direction of NBS 
  • have a Q&A session 


Education forum

Wednesday 25 March - 6pm (AEDT)

REGISTER

Our speakers

A/Prof Ronda Greaves (Chair)

A/Prof Ronda Greaves (Chair)

A/Prof Ronda Greaves (Chair)

Ronda is a Paediatric Clinical Scientist at the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS) and Principal Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne.


She oversees the operation of the Victorian newborn screening program, quality improvement initiatives and implementation of new conditions.

Dr Anthea Greenway

A/Prof Ronda Greaves (Chair)

A/Prof Ronda Greaves (Chair)

 Anthea is a Paediatric Haematologist with a special interest in Sickle Cell disease. She is the Director of the Clinical Haematology Department and Clinical Lead for the sickle cell program at the Royal Children's Hospital.


Anthea’s clinical and research interests include comprehensive care of children and adults with sickle cell disease/

 Anthea is a Paediatric Haematologist with a special interest in Sickle Cell disease. She is the Director of the Clinical Haematology Department and Clinical Lead for the sickle cell program at the Royal Children's Hospital.


Anthea’s clinical and research interests include comprehensive care of children and adults with sickle cell disease/haemoglobinopathies, and advancing clinical apheresis care for children.

Dr Mercy Thomas, PhD

A/Prof Ronda Greaves (Chair)

Dr Mercy Thomas, PhD

Mercy is a Researcher/Educator at VCGS. She's a highly accomplished registered nurse with a distinguished career in clinical practice, project management, quality improvement and education.


Her diverse experience spans acute, sub-acute, and educational settings, offering a well-rounded perspective on healthcare delivery.

Holly McNamara

A/Prof Ronda Greaves (Chair)

Dr Mercy Thomas, PhD

Holly McNamara is a registered midwife and is the NBS Educator at VCGS. 


In her role, she shares her knowledge and supports healthcare professionals and organisations in providing the best care for every newborn. 

Contact Us

The NBS laboratory operates Monday through Friday.


We are happy to answer any questions you may have about screening, delivering this service or screening results.  


P 1300 118 247

E screeninglab@vcgs.org.au 


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