Clinical Haematology
Anaemia/Low Haemoglobin
Anaemia means insufficient red blood cells or low haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a building block of red blood cells. Anaemia can be due to many causes such as low iron, bleeding or primary bone marrow conditions.
White Blood Cell Disorders
White blood cells are integral to the body’s immune system. Disorders of white blood cells can be due to too many or too few. There are many causes ranging from benign conditions requiring no intervention to more serious conditions.
Platelet Disorders
Platelets are required to stop bleeding. Disorders of platelets can be due to too many or too few, or an inability to clot. Insufficient platelets can lead to bleeding/bruising. Too many platelets can increase the risk of clotting. There are many causes of platelet disorders ranging from benign conditions requiring minimal intervention to more serious conditions.
Iron Disorders
Iron is necessary for the healthy function of blood cells and organs. The body strictly regulates the amount of iron required by the body. Disorders of iron can be due to insufficient amounts (iron deficiency) or too much (such as haemochromatosis).
Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders can be inherited or acquired. They are due to problems with clotting which involves platelets and clotting proteins. Sometimes, prophylactic medicine is required to prevent bleeding. In other cases, treatment is required only for surgery.
Transfusion Medicine
Sometimes, when red cells or platelets are low, transfusion of red cells and/or platelets are required. Red cells and platelets are derived from blood donors. Transfusions are arranged through the hospital in an ambulatory care unit.
Post-transplant Medicine
The management of some blood conditions (such as multiple myeloma or acute myeloid leukaemia) can include a bone marrow transplant. This is a specialised area of haematology and requires specialist expertise.
Clotting Disorders
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clot in a vein, usually the leg. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a clot in the lung. The risk of developing a DVT and/or PE is increased with immobility (due to surgery or long haul travel) or strong family history. They are managed with blood thinning agents.
Pregnancy Haematology
Obstetric haematology is a specialised area of haematology. The management of blood conditions in pregnancy involves multidisciplinary care in close liaison with the obstetric team.
Perioperative Medicine
Sometimes, consultation is required prior to and/or following surgery. The haematologist may need to stop certain medications and/or ensure blood conditions are adequately controlled so that the operation may proceed as safely as possible.