HEMATOLOGY
What is hematology ?
Hematology is a science that studies blood and blood disorders. It involves the diagnosis, cause, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the blood (and its components), the mechanism of coagulation, bone marrow cells, and vascular systems.
The components of blood include:
1. Plasma: The liquid component of blood in which the following blood cells are suspended.
2. Blood cells:
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes): These transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- White blood cells (leukocytes): These help fight infections and assist in the immune process.
3. Platelets (thrombocytes): These help control bleeding.
Hematologic diseases can include anemia, blood clots, hemophilia or other coagulation disorders, and blood cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia.
Common hematology tests
- Complete blood count (CBC)
To help diagnose anemia, some blood cancers, inflammatory diseases, and to monitor blood loss and infection.
- Prothrombin time (PT), Partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and International Normalized Ratio (INR)
To evaluate coagulation disorders and monitor anticoagulant (blood-thinning) treatments.