Hematology is the study of blood and blood diseases, which helps diagnose a wide range of blood disorders. From inflammation and anemia to coagulation abnormalities and leukopenia, hematological tests help diagnose all blood disorders.
The following conditions can be diagnosed with hematological tests:
anemia
infection
Hemophilia
Blood clotting disorders
Leukocytic anemia
Complete blood count (CBC)
One of the most popular and frequently suggested hematological tests is the CBC. A CBC counts the quantity of platelets, Hematology white blood cells, and red blood cells (RBCs).
Abnormal levels of these elements may indicate the following:
Deficiency of nutrients including vitamin B6 or B12
Coagulation problems
Anemia (iron deficiency)
infection
Immune system disorders
Hematology Blood cancer
Your doctor will prescribe additional tests based on your findings to confirm abnormal levels and to rule out any potential diagnoses.
Why is CBC performed?
The following justifications are used to accomplish a CBC:
It can be part of a general health exam and look for conditions like leukemia or anemia.
What is flow cytometry used for?
Flow cytometry for a variety of purposes, including:
Cell sorting
Cell count
Determination of cell function
Determination of cell properties
Detecting microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or yeast
Diagnosis and possible treatment of Hematology blood and bone marrow cancers
Finding biomarkers (characteristics that indicate normal function)
How are flow cytometry results interpreted?
Your pathologist will consider the results of the flow cytometry analysis and your medical history, symptoms, and recent physical exam.
Abnormal results are usually found in the presence
Multiple myeloma
Acute myeloid leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
A bone marrow examination includes bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy. These procedures collect and examine bone marrow, which is a spongy tissue inside some large bones. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy show whether your bone marrow is healthy and able to make normal amounts of blood cells.
Bone marrow aspiration may be performed alone, usually in conjunction with a bone marrow biopsy. The term “bone marrow tests” refers to all of these procedures collectively.
What is the procedure for a bone marrow test?
Bone marrow aspiration is performed first.
A minor skin incision is made by the doctor.
The physician inserts a hollow needle through the incision between the bone and bone marrow.
A syringe attached to a needle is used to draw a sample of the fluid portion of the bone marrow.
Aspiration takes a few minutes.
Several samples may be taken for better results.
The specialist uses a large needle to withdraw a sample of solid bone marrow tissue.
Why are bone marrow tests performed?
Your doctor may order a bone marrow test if blood tests are abnormal or don’t provide enough information about a suspected problem.
Your doctor may perform a bone marrow examination to:
Identify the disease’s stage or course.
Determine the cause of a bone marrow or blood cell problem.
Investigate a fever of unknown origin
Determine if iron levels are adequate
A disease treatment monitor
The following conditions may warrant a bone marrow examination:
Blood cell conditions in which too few or too many of certain blood cells are produced, such as leukocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, pancytopenia, and polycythemia.
anemia
Multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma are examples of cancers
Hemochromatosis
Kidney function tests (KFTs)
KFTs include urine or blood tests that assess how well your kidneys are working. Most of these tests measure the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses how efficiently the kidneys clear waste from your system.
Why is KFT performed?
Comorbidities such as diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension) can affect kidney function. Your primary care provider can use KFTs to evaluate these conditions.
You may need a KFT if you have any of the following symptoms:
blood in your urine (hematuria)
Painful urination (dysuria)
Frequent urge to urinate
Difficulty starting to urinate
High-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) scan
HRCT scan is a cross-sectional imaging technique used for the prognosis and diagnosis of various health diseases. Typically, an HRCT scan is used for lung disease.
A person should have an HRCT scan in the following situations:
Musculoskeletal disorders, broken bones, and bone tumors can be diagnosed using medical imaging
It helps in locating the exact location of the tumor, blood clot, infection, internal bleeding, or injury
Bone diseases can be checked using these scans and various parts of the body can be examined for regular check-ups
To identify airflow obstruction in the lungs, assess lung function
To assess the risk of developing diffuse lung disease
Observe for any abnormal enlargement of the lungs
In patients with hematological malignancies who present with fever and pulmonary infiltrates, suggestive of mold disease.
To determine the best site for lung biopsy if needed
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing test
HLA typing genetic testing matches patients and donors for cord blood, bone marrow, or organ transplantation. HLA is the protein that the immune system uses to identify whether you have a certain cell in your