Haematology is the study of the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases related to blood. It involves the production of blood and its components, such as blood cells, haemoglobin, blood proteins and bone marrow.
Haematology Staff
Haematologists investigate, diagnose and treat diseases such as anaemia, leukaemia and lymphoma. They also care for patients with blood-clotting abnormalities and are responsible for ensuring that blood transfusions are safe and available when they are needed.
Haematologists can be biomedical scientists and clinical scientists who work in laboratories as well as medical staff who work with patients in clinics and on the wards. They can be involved throughout the patient’s journey, from the first hospital visit, through laboratory diagnosis to treatment.
Hundreds of thousands of blood tests are done every day in the UK.
Haemostasis (Blood Coagulation)
Haemostasis is the human body’s response to blood vessel injury and bleeding. It involves a coordinated effort between platelets and numerous blood clotting proteins (or factors), resulting in the formation of a blood clot and subsequent stopping of the bleed.
Blood Transfusion
Blood transfusion is the process of receiving blood or blood products.
Transfusions are used for various medical conditions to replace lost components of the blood. Blood transfusion uses individual components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, clotting factors and platelets.