Hematology

Hematology is the study of the morphology of blood cells, the physiology of the blood and the blood forming organs. This encompasses the use of automated instruments to count blood cells and hemoglobin levels. Blood smears are used to examine the cell types and appearance of the blood cells to diagnose hematological diseases and to monitor the progression of treatment.

Bone marrow examinations by aspiration biopsy aids in the diagnosis of these diseases. Another area of importance is the study of blood coagulation, measuring the ability of blood to clot, either to check before surgery, clients who have unexplained bleeding or clotting and monitoring clients on anticoagulants. Transfusion medicine is another arm of hematology dealing with blood groups, antibodies and blood transfusion.