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Introduction to haematology 

Introduction to haematology
Chapter:
Introduction to haematology
Author(s):

Chris Hatton

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198746690.003.0510
Page of

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date: 25 February 2021

Haematology is the study of the composition, function, and diseases of the blood. The approach to a patient suspected of having a haematological disorder begins with taking a history (particularly noting fatigue, weight loss, fever, and history of bleeding) and performing a clinical examination (looking for signs of anaemia, infection, bleeding, and signs of cellular infiltration causing splenomegaly and/or lymphadenopathy). Key investigations include a full blood count, a blood film, and (in selected cases) examination of the bone marrow. Further diagnostic tests now routinely performed on blood and marrow samples include immunophenotyping and cytogenetic and molecular analysis. Mutational signatures may be diagnostically useful and potentially define treatment, keeping haematology in the vanguard of advances in modern medicine.

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