Hematology

What is Hematology?

Hematology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study of blood and blood-forming tissues. It involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders related to blood and the organs involved in its production and regulation. This includes the bone marrow, lymphatic system, spleen, and liver.

The study of hematology encompasses a wide range of topics, from the basic physiology of blood cells to the diagnosis and management of complex blood disorders. It also involves the use of laboratory techniques and diagnostic tools to examine blood and bone marrow samples.

If you or someone you know is repeatedly experiencing symptoms associated with blood disorders, it may be necessary to consult a hematologist. These symptoms can include:

• blood-filled blisters in the mouth
• blood clotting in the limbs (usually the legs), causing swelling, redness, warmth in the leg
• fatigue or shortness of breath
• frequent or increased infections
• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
• bone pain
• paleness
• petechiae (a skin rash with pinpoint red spots caused by too few platelets)
• swollen lymph nodes

Why Should I Choose Prince Court’s Hematologists?

Expertise and Specialisation

If you are seeking professional care for a blood disorder, Prince Court Medical Centre is the top choice for comprehensive treatment. Our clinic offers a range of services, including chemotherapy and anti-microbial therapy, and we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. This includes customized patient care even after bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy.

Our team of hematology specialists offers a variety of services, such as diet advice, oral medication, transfusions, injections, and bone marrow transplants. We understand that the treatment process can be challenging and emotional, and we are committed to providing support throughout. Our specialists have extensive experience both locally and internationally, with many holding advanced degrees from prestigious institutions in New Zealand, Canada, and other countries.

In addition, our hematology specialists are members of international and regional medical associations. Through collaboration with other medical professionals and keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in hematology, we can offer patients the most advanced and effective treatments available. Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders.

Specialized Care for Iron Chelation Therapy

If you require iron chelation therapy as part of your blood disorder treatment, our hematologists are well-equipped to provide specialised care. Iron chelation therapy is a vital treatment approach for individuals with iron overload conditions, such as thalassemia and hemochromatosis. Our experienced hematology specialists are familiar with the intricacies of iron chelation therapy and its importance in managing these disorders effectively. We offer personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific needs, ensuring the most appropriate iron chelation regimen is administered.

When choosing a haematologist, it is essential to have a provider who is knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate. Our team of specialists at Prince Court Medical Centre hematology clinic meets all of these criteria and more, making us the best choice for your hematology needs

Common Hematologic Conditions

• Anaemia
• Haemophilia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma
• Myeloma
• Hemochromatosis
• Sickle cell anaemia
• Von Willebrand disease
• Polycythaemia vera
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
• Haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Coagulation factor deficiencies (e.g., Factor VIII deficiency, Factor IX deficiency)
• Plasma cell dyscrasias (e.g., monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia)
• Thalassemia
• Hemoglobinopathies

Hematologic Procedures

• Bone marrow biopsy – a small sample of bone marrow is taken to diagnose blood cancers and other blood disorders
• Blood transfusion – blood is transferred from one person to another to replace blood loss, treat anaemia, and manage blood disorders
• Stem cell transplant – damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells to treat cancer and blood disorders
• Venous access device insertion – a catheter is placed in a vein for easy access for blood draws, medications, and treatments
• Coagulation factor replacement therapy – clotting factors are given to treat bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia
• Iron chelation therapy – excess iron is removed from the body to treat conditions such as thalassemia or sickle cell anaemia, which can lead to organ damage