Haematology

Haematology is the speciality encompassing diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. It requires skills in both medicine and pathology. Haematology departments are also responsible for providing a hospital’s laboratory and transfusion service. Common diagnoses include myeloma, lymphoma, leukaemia, idiopathic thrombocytopaenia, sickle cell disease, clotting and bleeding disorders, and transfusion-related conditions. Important haematological investigations include the blood film, bone marrow studies with increasing use of cytogenetics, and clotting studies. A summary of important red cell morphologies is included, in addition to summaries of haematopoietic cell lineage and clotting pathways (and their related disorders). Venous thromboembolic disease is discussed, as well as the variety of anticoagulant therapies currently available. Important elements of transfusion immunology and medicine are outlined with a clinical guide to transfusion reactions and their management. The section on haematology in the emergency department describes emergency management of neutropaenic sepsis. A practical guide to the interpretation of investigations is included.