HEMATOLOGY

The word hematology originates from the Greek haimo-, or “blood,” and the Latin logia, or “the study of.”

What is Hematology ?

Hematology explains the science that studies blood and blood-related diseases, including how to diagnose, predict, treat, and prevent conditions affecting blood cells, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system.

This speciality of the laboratory is crucial as blood is basic to almost all the body’s functions, and a blood test can reveal more about your physical condition than almost any other kind of examination.

The Blood Components

Some important components of the blood are:

1. Red blood cells: RBCs, also known as “Erythrocytes” are one of the main components of the blood, and their primary function involves moving oxygen from the lungs to the primary tissues where it is needed. In cases where the RBC level of a human body is low, it can result in conditions such as anaemia (causing fatigue), and when they are abnormally high, it can result in a condition called polycythemia.
2. White Blood Cells: WBCs, also known as Leukocytes, defend the body against infections and foreign invaders. A deficiency in white blood cells in the human body leads to leukopenia, causing infections and bone marrow failure. An excess amount of white blood cells in the body also leads to leukocytosis, causing inflammation and leukemia.
3. Platelets: They are also known as thrombocytes and are active when there is an injury involving blood. They prevent and stop bleeding by forming blood clots at the bleeding site. A low platelet count can lead to a condition known as thrombocytopenia, which causes easy bruising, while a high platelet count leads to thrombocytosis, ultimately causing stroke, heart attack etc.
4. Plasma Membrane: This is another important component of the blood that helps to transport cells, nutrients and hormones whilst also regulating the body’s temperature and pH. These four basic components of the blood work together to keep the body in good shape and optimum functionality.

Some Basic Tests Done in the Hematology Laboratory are:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) test: This is important to diagnose conditions such as anaemia, infections and disorders in the blood.
2. Prothrombin Time (PT) test: This is a test to evaluate the blood’s ability to clot and sometimes to ensure the safety of surgical procedures.
3. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test: This test helps to diagnose diseases like arthritis, autoimmune disease and monitors inflammation in the body. It measures how quickly RBCs settle in a blood sample.
4. Blood Smear test: It is done by evaluating the size, shape, number and appearance of WBCs and RBCs under the microscope and is important for diagnosing various blood disorders.

Important Equipment for a Hematology Laboratory:

A standard hematology laboratory requires these vital pieces of equipment to operate effectively.

1. Coagulation analyzers
2. Hematology analyzers
3. Centrifuges
4. Microscopes
5. Flow cytometers

Hematology laboratories are crucial for diagnosing blood-related disorders, monitoring treatment responses, managing chronic diseases, and guiding clinical decisions, ensuring accurate and timely results for improved health outcomes.