Haematology

In the Haematology Laboratory we carry out a wide variety of tests to diagnose a range of haematological conditions.

We provide a round-the-clock service interpreting test results and advising on the appropriate use of blood components.

While some of the services provided by the department are only available within routine working hours (9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday), some are essential services and are available at all times. These include blood bank, common general haematology and coagulation tests.

• Routine Haematology: Automated analysis of Full Blood Count (FBC) to determine types and numbers of blood cells, including haemoglobin (Hb), white cell count (WCC), white cell sub-populations (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, etc.) and the platelet count.  The information derived from these can be used to help identify the presence of infection, monitor a patient’s response to therapy or assist in the diagnosis of disease (e.g. leukaemia). The red cell size is also measured which can help determine the cause of anaemia. Other routine investigations include ESR, Infectious Mononucleosis Screening, Malaria testing and ZPP.  
• Blood Films/Morphology: Morphological assessment of blood cells and CSF and identification of blood parasites such as malaria. For the full investigation of some blood disorders, it is necessary to examine a film of blood spread on a slide. When stained with particular dyes and viewed with a microscope, the red cells, white cells and platelets can clearly be distinguished by their physical appearance which may give additional information analysers cannot provide
• Coagulation: Includes performing clotting screens on inpatients and outpatients that may have disturbed coagulation resulting from a variety of conditions, plus specialist factor assays to support the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with clotting factor deficiencies, for example children with haemophilia.
• Blood Bank: Provides blood components e.g. red cells, platelets and plasma for patients requiring planned surgery or life-threatening emergencies/accidents. It also supports patients with anaemia that require transfusion secondary to the side effects of treatment for an underlying disease e.g. acute leukaemia. Blood products, e.g. factor VIII are supplied to help treat haemophilia.
• Flow Cytometry: Used for the monitoring of lymphocyte subset numbers in patients with HIV/AIDS and other immune disorders.
• Haemoglobin Capillary Electrophoresis: Use to identify and measure abnormal haemoglobins for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with certain red cell disorders such as Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassaemia.
• Cytochemistry: Staining of bone marrow slides to assist with diagnosis and monitoring of patients with certain haematological disorders.
• HSCT transplantation: The laboratory supports the bone marrow transplantation programme for patients undergoing allogeneic and autologous Haemopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT).
• Ward Capillary blood collection service: Though the achievable sample volume is limited, this technique is usually more acceptable in a paediatric setting.