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We appreciate and encourage feedback. If you need advice or
are concerned about any aspect of care or treatment please
speak to a member of staff or contact the Patient Advice and
Liaison Service (PALS):
Freephone: 0800 183 0204
From a mobile or abroad: 0115 924 9924 ext 65412 or 62301
E-mail: [email protected]
Letter: NUH NHS Trust, c/o PALS, Freepost NEA 14614,
Nottingham NG7 1BR
www.nuh.nhs.uk
If you require a full list of references for this leaflet please email
[email protected] or phone 0115 924 9924
ext. 67184.
The Trust endeavours to ensure that the information given here
is accurate and impartial.
Hazel Marriot, Nottingham Children’s Hospital © September 2015. All rights reserved.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Review September 2017. Ref: 1854/v1/0915/
NCB
Palpating the spleen
Information for patients and carers
Nottingham Children’s Hospital
This document can be provided in different languages and
formats. For more information please contact:
Nottingham Children’s Hospital
Queen’s Medical Centre Campus
E Floor, E Block
Tel: 0115 924 9924 ext. 63264
Public information
Aim of the leaflet
For parents/carers to understand what the
spleen is, where it is located and how to palpate
it. How to recognise changes from the norm and
how to react to those changes.
Step 5
What is the spleen’s function?
The function of the spleen is to remove old or
damaged blood cells and help the body’s
immune system fight infection.
Where is the spleen?
The spleen is an organ that is located in the
upper left area of the abdomen, just below the
lower left ribs. It cannot usually be felt in the
abdomen unless it becomes enlarged.
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Step 6
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Step 3
Why should children with sickle cell have
their spleen felt regularly.
Normally, blood passes through the spleen
where old red blood cells and bacteria are
removed.
Sometimes in children, mainly those under five
years of age, splenic sequestration can occur.
This is a sudden enlargement of the spleen due
to trapping of the red blood cells within the
spleen.
Is this serious?
Yes. Early recognition of splenic sequestration is
life saving.
Step 4
Are there any other signs to look out for?
 Shortness of breath
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
Dizziness

Tiredness/weakness

Stomach swelling/Pain

Fever

Pale in colour
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How do I feel for the spleen?
Start at the hip bone on the lower right hand
side of the abdomen.
Step1
Using a flat hand gently press the stomach
feeling for anything hard that may meet your
fingers. Repeat across the abdomen, right to
left, until you reach the ribs on the right hand
side. (steps 1 –6)
How often should I feel for the spleen?
Several times a week, especially if they have
any of the signs on the previous page.
Step 2
What should I do if I can feel the spleen?
If you can feel your child’s spleen or he/she has
any of the signs overleaf you should go straight
to the Emergency Department as he/she may
need urgent medical attention.
If you need any further information please ask at
your next clinic visit, contact the Nurse
Specialist on 0781 226 8407 or the Mary Potter
Centre on 0115 883 8427.
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