Hematology
What is a Hematology ?
Hematologists are healthcare professionals specializing in diagnosing, treating, and overseeing conditions impacting your blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system.
These conditions can range from benign (noncancerous) disorders to malignant (cancerous) ones. Blood disorders and blood cancers can manifest with varying severity, from mild symptoms to life-threatening situations.
What are common blood tests?
Blood consists of various components, and healthcare professionals may request tests to assess the blood as a whole or its individual constituents. Here are some common tests that hematologists may order to diagnose blood disorders or blood cancers:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This fundamental blood test assesses the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Blood differential test: This examination determines the quantities of each type of white blood cell, often conducted alongside a complete blood count.
- Prothrombin time test (PTT): This test measures the blood’s clotting speed.
- Reticulocyte count: This test evaluates the number of immature blood cells (reticulocytes) present in the blood.
- Peripheral blood smear (PBS): This procedure involves examining red and white blood cells and platelets under a microscope to assess their characteristics and morphology.