Waitematā DHB Haematology Service

Public Service, Haematology

Description

What is Haematology?

Haematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the blood and blood-forming organs. Such disorders may involve the:

components of blood (cells and plasma)
coagulation (blood clotting) process
blood cell formation
haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein on red blood cells) synthesis.

To help in the diagnosis of blood disorders, you will probably have to have blood samples taken for analysis in the laboratory. These may include:

FBC (Full Blood Count): gives information on the number of cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) in your blood.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): a screening test that may give an indication of inflammatory disease or abnormal protein levels.

INR (International Normalised Ratio): monitors your clotting function when on warfarin (anticoagulant/anticlotting) therapy.

Coagulation/Clotting Screen: a group of tests to check coagulation or clotting function.

Doctors who specialise in haematology are called haematologists.

Consultants

Dr Henry Chan

Consultant Haematologist & Lead Clinician Haematology Research
Dr Patricia Disperati

Consultant Haematologist
Dr Anna Elinder Camburn

Consultant Haematologist
Dr Merit Hanna

Consultant Haematologist/Haematopathologist
Dr Sophie Leitch

Consultant Haematologist
Dr Eileen Merriman

Clinical Director & Lead Clinician Thrombosis Service

Referral Expectations

Please bring a list of your current medications, as well as any CT/MRI scans or X-rays performed in the community.

Procedures / Treatments

Bone Marrow Biopsy

The bone marrow is where the blood cells are made. A bone marrow biopsy involves taking a sample of bone marrow, usually from the back of the iliac crest (hip bone) or from the sternum (breastbone) to see how well the bone marrow is functioning, and if there are any… More
Red Cell Transfusion

Red cell (blood) transfusions are given to treat symptomatic anaemia. For haematology patients, these are given in the Haematology Day Stay unit. Two to three units of red cells are usually given. Each unit takes approximately two hours. Before your transfusion, you will be asked to have a special blood… More
Iron Infusion

These are given to patients with anaemia due to a deficiency of iron. They are usually prescribed when a trial of iron tablets has been unsuccessful, either due to side effects or malabsorption. The iron solution is given through an intravenous drip placed in your hand or arm. The rest… More
Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture is a procedure to remove a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (surrounds the spinal cord and brain) for analysis. An injection of local anaesthetic is given, followed by the insertion of a thin needle into the spinal canal. This is done to check for the presence of… More
Chemotherapy

A wide range of chemotherapy is given in the Haematology Day Stay unit, for a number of different disorders. Information leaflets specific to each regimen will be given to you prior to commencing chemotherapy. More
Venesection

Venesection refers to the removal of blood. This procedure is performed for people who have too many circulating red cells (polycythaemia) or iron overload (haemochromatosis). It is similar to the procedure used for donating blood. The frequency of venesections depends on the level of red cells or iron. It may… More