Haematology is the analysis and treatment of blood and bone marrow disorders. Consistent and relevant patient care is delivered timeously while diagnostic tests are carried out as well. Haematologists care for patients with disorders affecting red and white blood cells and systematic coagulation diseases.

Haematologists usually treat fatal illnesses such as myeloma, lymphoma and leukaemia that all require chemotherapy. General practitioners are instructed to care for these patients at home. Haemophilia, an inherited condition, is a blood coagulation disorder that prevents the blood from clotting.

What diagnostic procedures are available for checking for related blood disorders?

A bone marrow biopsy involves taking a bone marrow sample from inside the bone for testing. A tiny needle is carefully inserted through the bone to extract samples for pathology testing. Usually, a bone marrow biopsy is performed to diagnose leukaemia or an inadequate amount of blood cells, low iron, and bone marrow cancer.

Apart from testing the patient's bone marrow, other laboratory tests, like a blood test, are methods to check for blood disorders. Blood tests include a total blood count, a blood smear and a flow cytometry test. These tests are vital for evaluating the type, size and number of blood cells present. Analysing the blood film will also help diagnose platelet abnormalities.

How important are platelets in the blood clotting process?

Blood is naturally made up of cells like red and white blood cells and platelets which are all suspended in straw-like fluid called plasma. Platelets are cells that assist the blood clot, but platelets converge and obstruct the site of injury when a blood vessel is damaged. Thrombocythaemia occurs when there is an excess of platelets or thrombocytopenia when very few platelets form, often leading to abnormal clotting and excessive bleeding.