Hematology is the medical specialty that focuses on the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, including disorders of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and coagulation.

What conditions are treated by a hematologist?

A hematologist manages conditions such as anemia, iron deficiency, leukemias, lymphomas, myeloma, bleeding and clotting disorders, inherited blood diseases, and persistent abnormalities detected on blood tests or blood smears.

What is the difference between hematology and oncology?

Hematology covers benign and malignant blood disorders, while oncology primarily focuses on solid tumors; the two overlap in the management of blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

What is a peripheral blood smear and why is it important?

A peripheral blood smear is a microscopic examination of blood cells that helps assess red cell morphology, white cell differentials, and platelet numbers, and it supports diagnosis in many hematological disorders.

What blood tests are commonly used in hematology?

Common tests include the complete blood count (CBC), blood film examination, coagulation studies, iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate levels, and specialist investigations such as bone marrow examination when indicated.

What is the role of the bone marrow in hematology?

Bone marrow is the primary site of blood cell production, where hematopoietic stem cells mature into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, making it central to normal hematopoiesis and many blood disorders.

When should a patient be referred to a hematologist?

Referral is appropriate for unexplained anemia, persistent abnormal blood counts, recurrent bleeding or thrombosis, suspected blood cancers, or ongoing abnormalities on blood tests or peripheral blood smears.

What is the difference between hematology and hematopathology?

Hematology is the clinical specialty providing patient care for blood disorders, while hematopathology focuses on laboratory diagnosis using blood films, bone marrow biopsies, and specialized testing.

Why is hematology important in general medicine?

Hematology is important because blood abnormalities may reflect systemic disease, infection, inflammation, malignancy, nutritional deficiency, or organ dysfunction, and blood tests are fundamental to medical diagnosis.

Is hematology a medical or laboratory specialty?

Hematology is both clinical and laboratory-based, combining patient management with interpretation of blood tests, blood smears, and bone marrow findings.

What does the term haematology mean?

Haematology is the British spelling of hematology and refers to the same specialty concerned with blood, blood-forming organs, and blood disorders.

How does hematology help in diagnosing disease early?

Hematology supports early diagnosis through routine blood tests and microscopic examination, which can identify conditions such as anemia, infection, leukemia, and coagulation abnormalities before symptoms become advanced.

Immune System Archives - Ask Hematologist

Systemic Mastocytosis

August 31, 2019 5 comments

Back of a patient showing diffuse reddish-brown maculopapular lesions consistent with Cutaneous Mastocytosis or Urticaria Pigmentosa.

Systemic Mastocytosis (SM): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management: Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) is a rare, complex hematologic neoplasm characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of atypical mast cells in various internal tissues and organs, most commonly the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and GI tract. This chronic condition primarily affects adults. Because signs and symptoms, such as urticaria pigmentosa and anaphylaxis, vary widely based […]

Category: Immune System

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

February 27, 2019 11 comments

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes Syndrome, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) that promote abnormal blood clot formation (thrombosis) in both arterial and venous circulation. APS may occur as a primary condition or develop secondary to other autoimmune diseases, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Clinically, patients may present with deep vein […]

Category: Immune System

Tumor Immunology

October 31, 2018 4 comments

Tumor immunology is the study of how the immune system interacts with cancer cells, focusing on the mechanisms by which tumors develop, evade immune detection, and resist destruction. Understanding the tumor microenvironment, immune checkpoints, and tumor-associated antigens is essential in both hematology and oncology, as these insights drive the development of advanced immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, […]

Category: Immune System

Plasmapheresis

May 31, 2018 25 comments

What is Plasmapheresis? Plasmapheresis, also known as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), is a medical procedure that involves removing a patient’s plasma and replacing it with a substitute such as saline, albumin, or donor plasma. The process separates plasma from blood cells using a centrifuge or membrane filtration system, allowing the selective removal of pathogenic antibodies, immune complexes, and toxins. Plasmapheresis […]

Category: Immune System

Hemophagocytosis

August 30, 2017 One comment

Introduction: Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), also known as hemophagocytosis, is a rare but life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome caused by uncontrolled activation of the immune system. It results from defects in natural killer (NK) cell and cytotoxic T-cell regulation, leading to excessive cytokine release and accumulation of activated macrophages and lymphocytes in multiple organs. These overactive immune cells can attack the body’s own […]

Category: Immune System

Checkpoint Inhibitors

November 1, 2016 2 comments

A key function of the immune system is its ability to distinguish healthy self-cells from harmful “foreign” cells, ensuring precise immune surveillance and protection. Cancer cells can evade this process by exploiting immune-checkpoint pathways, allowing tumors to grow unchecked. Checkpoint inhibitors work by blocking these pathways and restoring the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer. Immune system uses “checkpoints” […]

Category: Immune System

Cold Agglutinin Disease

October 16, 2016 Leave a comment

Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) caused by the presence of cold-reactive autoantibodies (cold agglutinins) that target red blood cells at temperatures below 30°C (86°F). These autoantibodies lead to red blood cell agglutination, complement activation, and subsequent immune-mediated hemolysis, especially in peripheral body areas exposed to cold. CAD accounts for approximately 15% of all autoimmune […]

Category: Immune System

Cryoglobulinemia

October 12, 2016 4 comments

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins—either monoclonal or mixed—that precipitate at low temperatures and resolubilize on warming, forming the basis of cryoglobulinemia. Although trace amounts may occur in some healthy individuals, clinically relevant cryoglobulinemia is typically associated with abnormal immunoglobulin production seen in autoimmune diseases, lymphoproliferative disorders, and chronic infections such as hepatitis C. When precipitated, cryoglobulins can increase blood viscosity and obstruct […]

Category: Immune System