Forums » Off-Topic Discussions
What Is a Hematologist?
-
Hematology is the science or study of blood, blood-forming organs and blood diseases.
In the medical field, hematology includes the treatment of blood disorders and malignancies, including types of hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma and sickle-cell anemia. Hematology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the physiology, pathology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of blood-related disorders.
Hematologists focus largely on lymphatic organs and bone marrow and may diagnose blood count irregularities or platelet irregularities. Hematologists treat organs that are fed by blood cells, including the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and lymphoid tissue.
A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in researching, diagnosing, treating, and preventing blood disorders and disorders of the lymphatic system (lymph nodes and vessels).
If your primary care physician has recommended that you see a hematologist, it may be because you are at risk for a condition involving your red or white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, or spleen. Some of these conditions are:
hemophilia, a disease that prevents your blood from clotting
sepsis, an infection in the blood
leukemia, a cancer that affects blood cells
lymphoma,a cancer that affects the lymph nodes and vessels
sickle cell anemia, a disease that prevents red blood cells from flowing freely through your circulatory system
thalassemia, a condition in which your body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin
anemia, a condition in which there aren’t enough red blood cells in your body
deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form inside your veins
If you want to learn more about these disorders and other blood conditions, you can find out more through webinars created by the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source (CDC).The American Society of Hematology can also connect you with support groups, resources, and in-depth information about specific blood disorders.
What kinds of tests do hematologists do?
To diagnose or monitor blood disorders, hematologists often use these tests:Complete blood count (CBC)
A CBC counts your red and white blood cells, hemoglobin (a blood protein), platelets (tiny cells that clump together to make a blood clot), and hematocrit (the ratio of blood cells to liquid plasma in your blood).Prothrombin time (PT)
This test measures how long it takes your blood to clot. Your liver produces a protein called prothrombin which helps to form clots. If you’re taking a blood thinner or your doctor suspects that you may have a liver problem, a PT test may help monitor or diagnose your condition.Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
Like a prothrombin test, the PTT measures how long your blood takes to clot. If you’re having problematic bleeding anywhere in your body — nosebleeds, heavy periods, pink urine — or if you’re bruising too easily, your doctor can use a PTT to find out whether a blood disorder is causing the problem.International normalized ratio (INR)
If you take a blood thinner like warfarin, your doctor may compare the results of your blood clotting tests with results from other labs to be sure the medication is working properly and to be sure your liver is healthy. This calculation is known as an international normalized ratio (INR).Some newer at-home devices allow patients to conduct their own INR testing at home, which has been shown to improve quality of lifeTrusted Source for patients who need to have their blood-clotting speed measured regularly.
Bone marrow biopsy
If your doctor thinks you are not making enough blood cells, you may need a bone marrow biopsy. A specialist will use a small needle to take a bit of bone marrow (a soft substance inside your bones) to be analyzed under a microscope.Your doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the area before the bone marrow biopsy. You’ll be awake during this procedure because it’s relatively quick.
What other procedures do hematologists do?
Hematologists are involved in many of the therapies, treatments, and procedures related to blood and bone marrow. Hematologists do:ablation therapy (procedures in which abnormal tissue can be eliminated using heat, cold, lasers, or chemicals)
blood transfusions
bone marrow transplants and stem cell donations
cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and biological therapies
growth factor treatments
immunotherapy
Because blood disorders can affect almost any area of the body, hematologists usually collaborate with other medical specialists, especially internists, pathologists, radiologists, and oncologists.Hematologists treat both adults and children. They may work in hospitals, in clinics, or in laboratory settings.
Find support for your mental health
Talk to a professional and get support for your emotional or mental health symptoms from BetterHelp’s licensed therapists. Take a quiz, get matched, and start getting support via phone or video sessions. Plans start at $60 per week + 10% off your first month.
HOCC's team of specialized and trained staff has over 15 years of experience in blood disorders, blood cancers, and bone marrow transplants (BMT)
Led by Dr. Seema Bhatwadekar, our team of clinical associates, pathologists, nurses and medical transcriptionists work together to ensure quality care.
Dr. Seema Bhatwadekar has been trained in paediatric and adult haematology, haemato-oncology,and bone marrow transplant from Sahyadri Speciality Hospital, Pune (2004 to 2006),
under the mentorship of Dr. Shashikant Apte.
She has performed over 75 bone marrow transplants (stem cell transplants) for various paediatric inborn and adult haematological and haemato-oncological disorders.
Since August 2006, Dr. Seema has been a practicing consultant haematologist, haemato-oncologist,and bone marrow transplant physician at HOCC, Vadodara. Dr. Seema has been a consulting doctorat prominent multispeciality hospitals in the city.dr seema bhatwadekar | seema bhatwadekar | hematologist in vadodara | oncologist in vadodara | best oncologist in vadodara | paediatric haematology in Vadodara | cancer specialist doctor in vadodara | blood specialist doctor in vadodara | Blood cancer doctor in Vadodara | Chemotherapy in Vadodara | Blood Cancer Treatment in Vadodara | Blood Cancer Specialist in Vadodara | bone marrow transplant specialist in Vadodara | bone marrow transplant in gujarat | Leukemia treatment in Vadodara | Hemophilia treatment in Vadodara