Laboratory haematology involves testing for disorders of the blood and bone marrow. Automated analysers count the number of blood cells; in particular red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The shape, size and relationship of cells to each other is assessed by studying the peripheral blood film under the microscope. Abnormal inclusions such as malaria parasites are also looked for. Haematology tests are key in diagnosing a wide range of benign and malignant diseases such as anaemia, thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, leukaemia, aplastic anaemia.
Coagulation tests measure the blood’s ability to clot, and how long it takes to clot. These tests are important in assessing risk of excessive bleeding or developing thrombosis (blood clots).
At Pathcare a wide range of tests are performed and result interpretation is provided by experts. Examples of common tests are listed below:
- Full Blood Count – detects anaemia, low or high numbers of white cells or platelets
- Blood Grouping – and detection of antibodies e.g. Rhesus D in pregnancy
- Clotting assays – detect bleeding disorders such as haemophilia, DIC
- INR- monitoring for patients on warfarin/blood thinners
- D-Dimer – predicts risk of blood clot
- Haemoglobinopathy testing – detects thalassaemia, sickle cell, abnormal haemoglobin
- Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy
- Immunophenotyping – flow cytometry to subclassify leukaemias as well as CD4 and CD8 count monitoring in HIV
