Blood Disorders
Hematology
Hematology addresses disorders of the blood and bone marrow, from anemia and abnormal counts to clotting and bleeding disorders. Many patients arrive after a routine blood test raised a question.
An abnormal blood count is common and is often benign, but it requires methodical interpretation rather than reassurance. Hematological evaluation establishes whether a finding reflects a transient process, a nutritional or inflammatory cause, or a primary disorder of the marrow.
The discipline covers both cellular disorders — the red cells, white cells, and platelets — and the coagulation system, where the clinical question is whether a patient clots too readily or bleeds too easily.
Because hematology and medical oncology share training and overlap in practice, the two departments work closely. A hematologic diagnosis that proves to be malignant moves into oncology without the patient having to restart the relationship.
Conditions commonly evaluated
- Anemia, including iron deficiency and B12 deficiency
- Abnormal white blood cell and platelet counts
- Thrombocytopenia and other platelet disorders
- Venous thromboembolism and thrombophilia
- Bleeding disorders and abnormal coagulation studies
- Hemoglobinopathies including sickle cell disease and thalassemia
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
- Iron overload and disorders of iron metabolism
Care provided
- Interpretation of abnormal blood counts and coagulation studies
- Diagnostic evaluation including bone marrow assessment where indicated
- Anticoagulation assessment and long-term management
- Management of chronic hematologic conditions
- Preoperative hematologic risk assessment
- Second opinion on an existing hematologic diagnosis
At a first visit
- Bring the laboratory results that prompted the referral, ideally including any earlier results that show how values have changed over time.
- A list of current medications and supplements is important, as several affect blood counts and coagulation.
- Further testing is often required before a conclusion can be drawn; the first visit is usually an evaluation rather than a diagnosis.
Working with other departments
Hematology receives many referrals from internal medicine and obstetrics, and works alongside medical oncology where a diagnosis is malignant. Findings and the reasoning behind them return to the referring physician.