Hematology

At a glance

Sub-specialties

benign hematology, hematologic oncology, bone marrow transplantation, bleeding and clotting disorders, hemoglobinopathies, therapeutic apheresis

Common tests and procedures

complete blood count and blood film, clotting tests, bone marrow examination, genetic and immunology testing, therapeutic apheresis, transfusion, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant

Common reasons to travel

an accurate diagnosis for an abnormal blood count, access to modern therapy and transplant, strong supporting laboratory and intensive care

Typical visit

diagnosis is outpatient over a few days; treatment varies from day-unit infusions to several weeks of inpatient care for intensive therapy or transplant

Anaesthesia

usually none; a bone marrow sample is taken under local anaesthesia, sometimes with light sedation

Typical first step

a complete blood count and blood film, with a bone marrow examination when a clearer diagnosis is needed