Haematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood. It encompasses the study of blood cells, hemoglobin, blood diseases, bone marrow, vascular systems, clotting mechanisms, and lymphatic systems. Haematologists deal with a wide range of disorders including anemia, clotting disorders, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Blood disorders in haematology are generally classified into three main categories: red blood cell disorders, white blood cell disorders, and platelet disorders. Red blood cell disorders affect the body’s ability to carry oxygen (e.g., anemia, polycythemia). White blood cell disorders, which impact the body’s ability to fight infection, include leukopenia and leukemia. Platelet disorders can lead to problems with blood clotting (e.g., thrombocytopenia, hemophilia).

Common diagnostic tests in haematology include the complete blood count (CBC), which provides important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood; blood smears, which allow for the visual examination of blood cells; bone marrow biopsy, to examine the production of blood cells; and specialized tests like coagulation tests (PT, APTT) to assess blood clotting. Molecular and genetic tests are also increasingly used to diagnose specific blood disorders.

Anemia is diagnosed based on medical history, a physical examination, and blood tests, primarily the complete blood count (CBC) to measure levels of hemoglobin and the size and volume of red blood cells. Treatment depends on the type and cause of anemia and may include dietary supplements (iron, vitamin B12, folic acid), medication, blood transfusions, or treatment of the underlying cause to restore normal production of red blood cells.

Bone marrow examination, including aspiration and biopsy, is a crucial diagnostic tool in haematology. It helps in diagnosing various blood disorders, including leukemia, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes, by evaluating the production and development of blood cells. It provides information about the quantity and quality of each type of cell in the marrow, aiding in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of response to treatment in various hematologic diseases.

Significant advancements in the treatment of hematologic malignancies include the development of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and stem cell transplantation. Targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, specifically attack cancer cells with minimal effects on normal cells. Immunotherapies, like CAR-T cell therapy, harness the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Stem cell transplantation can replace diseased bone marrow with healthy functioning marrow. These advancements have improved survival rates and quality of life for patients with blood cancers.