Hematology (or haematology in British English) is a medical specialty that deals with the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. It encompasses a wide range of conditions.
Hematologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating blood disorders. They may work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Their responsibilities include:
Diagnosis: Interpreting blood tests and conducting bone marrow examinations to diagnose conditions.
Treatment: Managing diseases through medication, blood transfusions, or advanced therapies like bone marrow transplants.
Research: Many hematologists are involved in clinical research to develop new treatments and improve patient care.
You may be referred to a hematologist if you have abnormal blood test results or symptoms related to blood disorders, such as excessive bleeding, bruising, or fatigue. Your primary care physician typically makes this referral based on your medical history and test results.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): A common blood test that provides valuable information about the cellular components of the blood.
Hemoglobin: A vital protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide to be exhaled.
Hematocrit: A blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating the volume of red blood cells compared to the total blood volume.
Total RBC Count: The number of red blood cells in a blood sample, typically expressed as million cells per microliter.
Total WBC Count:The total white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body, which are crucial for your immune system.
Differential Count (DLC):A diagnostic blood test that measures the percentage of different types of white blood cells (WBCs) in the bloodstream.
Platelet Count:Measures the number of platelets in your blood, which is crucial for blood clotting and overall health.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate:A blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube.
Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS):A vital diagnostic test that examines blood cells under a microscope, providing detailed insights into their size, shape, and count.
Reticulocyte Count:Measures the number of immature red blood cells in the blood, helping to assess bone marrow function and diagnose conditions like anemia.
BT/CT (Bleeding Time & Clotting Time):A pair of medical diagnostic tests that assess the functioning of blood vessels, platelets, and the blood clotting process.
PT/INR(Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio): Measures how long it takes for blood to clot and is used to evaluate bleeding and clotting disorders.
Activated partial thromboplastin time:A blood test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot via the intrinsic pathway.
Blood grouping and Rh typing:An essential tests used to determine an individual's blood type and Rh factor.