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, Hematology 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 Hematology tests is the CBC. A CBC counts the quantity of platelets, 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)
Hematology infection
Immune system disorders
Blood cancer
Your doctor will prescribe additional Hematology tests based on your findings to confirm abnormal levels and to rule out any potential diagnoses.
Why is CBC performed?
A CBC is performed for the following reasons:
It can be part of a general health exam and look for conditions like leukemia or anemia.
This can help find the cause of symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and fever.
Flow cytometry
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 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.
Typically, abnormal outcomes are discovered when:
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (both B-cell and T-cell)
Multiple myeloma
Acute myeloid leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Bone marrow examination
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 steps are included in 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.
For optimal results, multiple samples may be collected.
Rarely, if fluid cannot be withdrawn, the needle is removed for another attempt.
This is followed by a bone marrow biopsy.
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:
Determine the stage or progression of the disease
Diagnose a condition involving the bone marrow or blood cells
Investigate a fever of unknown origin
Determine if iron levels are adequate
A disease treatment monitor
A bone marrow test may be used for the following conditions:
Blood cell conditions in which too few or too many of certain blood cells are produced, such as leukocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, and pancytopenia.
anemia
Multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma are examples of cancers
Hemochromatosis
Cancer that has spread to the bone marrow from another area (such as the breast).
Fever of unknown origin
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
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. HRCT scans are usually performed using a conventional CT scanner.
A person should have an HRCT scan in the following situations:
Musculoskeletal disorders, broken bones, and bone tumors can be diagnosed using medical imaging
Pulmonary disorders and sinus problems can also be detected with these scans
Medical imaging is also used to guide surgical procedures, biopsies, and radiation therapy
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.
HRCT scans are performed for the following conditions:
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
What serves as the HLA typing test’s objective?
HLA typing is most commonly used to find out which people can donate tissue that allows for the safest transplant. The following types of replacement are commonly performed:
Stem cell transplant: Stem cell transplants from peripheral blood or bone marrow are used to treat certain types of genetic blood disorders and blood cancers.
Solid Organ Transplantation: Severe damage from trauma, infection, autoimmune disease, genetic disorders, toxins, or other factors may require a solid organ transplant.