Hematology | Hemoglobinopathies

🍐 In this high-yield episode of PodBites, Jude Jamjoom and Nour Alfarra take you on a clear, case-based journey through the entire world of hemoglobinopathies — from the structure of hemoglobin, all the way to the molecular mutations behind thalassemias and sickle cell disorders.

🎙️ Tune in to learn about:

• How normal hemoglobin is built — globin chains, gene locations, and the fetal-to-adult switch.
• When to suspect a hemoglobinopathy based on clinical red flags
• The full lab toolkit beyond electrophoresis: O₂ curves, stability tests, stains, & molecular diagnostics.
• How to decode peripheral smear findings (target cells, sickled cells, Heinz bodies, basophilic stippling).
• β-Thalassemia Minor, Intermedia & Major — explained through real patient cases.
• α-Thalassemia: including HbH Disease with its classic “golf-ball” inclusions.
• Distinguishing Thalassemia from Iron Deficiency Anemia using Mentzer Index & RBC patterns.
• Hb D-Punjab: benign alone, significant when co-inherited.
• Sickle Cell Trait vs. Sickle Cell Disease — clinical features, crises, and management.
• High-yield recap questions woven throughout the episode.

🌟 A thorough, engaging, and clinically grounded walkthrough of hemoglobinopathies — perfect for learners who want the molecular, morphological, and real-life reasoning all in one place.