What is Hematology ?
Hematology is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the blood, bone marrow, lymphatic system, and the body’s clotting (hemostasis) pathways. If you’ve searched “what is hematology,” “what does hematology mean,” or “what is a hematology specialist,” you may have symptoms like fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections, or abnormal blood tests.
Our clinic’s hematology team provides clear explanations, same week appointments for urgent concerns, and comprehensive testing so you understand both the meaning of your results and your treatment options.
Blood conditions can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign hematology includes iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and clotting disorders that raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
Malignant hematology (hematologic malignancy) includes leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Because symptoms can overlap, timely evaluation is important.
Typical triggers for a referral include an abnormal complete blood count (CBC), persistent anemia, low platelets, elevated white counts, unexplained clotting or bleeding, enlarged lymph nodes, or abnormal protein levels.
Our hematology doctors focus on practical, patient centered plans: first, confirm the diagnosis, then choose the least invasive, most effective therapy to get you back to normal life as quickly as possible.
What Is Hematology Oncology? Why Hematology and Oncology Are Together
Hematology focuses on blood disorders; oncology focuses on cancers. Hematology/oncology (often written as hematology oncology or hematology/oncology) is a combined specialty because many blood diseases are cancers of the blood and lymphatic system (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma).
Seeing a hematology oncology doctor ensures seamless evaluation, staging, and treatment when a hematologic cancer is suspected or confirmed.
Our integrated hematology and oncology team coordinates:
Rapid diagnostics (CBC trends, peripheral smear review, flow cytometry, bone marrow biopsy when indicated).
Advanced testing (cytogenetics, molecular profiling) to identify targeted therapies.
Personalized treatment plans that may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, targeted agents, or referral for stem cell transplantation when appropriate.
Supportive care for infection prevention, blood transfusions when needed, and symptom management.
For benign issues (iron deficiency, ITP, clotting disorders), your plan may center on supplementation, infusions, or blood thinner management rather than cancer focused therapy. We tailor every plan to your goals, explain benefits and side effects, and coordinate closely with your primary care physician.
When issues with your blood, bone marrow or clotting system are suspected, you deserve a clear explanation of what the tests mean, why they’re needed and how the findings will guide your care.
What a Hematology Doctor Does and What to Expect
A hematology doctor reviews abnormal blood counts and related symptoms, orders targeted tests, and explains clear next steps. We begin by listening to your story, including your symptoms, medications, and family history, and we review your previous lab results.
Most patients need a CBC with differential and additional panels such as iron studies, B12/folate, hemolysis markers, and coagulation tests. We use a modern hematology analyzer to provide accurate results quickly and explain those results in plain language.
At your first appointment, expect a focused physical exam and a discussion of what the initial findings likely mean. Many conditions can be addressed step by step: for iron deficiency, we’ll identify the cause and correct it with oral or IV iron; for low platelets from ITP, we’ll review options such as observation, medications, or infusions if needed; for suspected malignancy, we will move swiftly to confirm the diagnosis and begin therapy.
You’ll leave with a written plan, timelines for tests or treatment, and direct contact for questions.
Benign Hematology vs. Hematologic Malignancy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care
Benign hematology: Iron deficiency anemia (often from chronic blood loss), B12/folate deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, ITP, von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and hypercoagulable states. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, pallor, heavy periods, nosebleeds, easy bruising, or swelling and pain from a clot.
Hematologic malignancy: Leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms. Symptoms may include persistent fevers, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, recurrent infections, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, or abnormal protein levels.
Diagnosis starts with a CBC and peripheral smear and may include iron studies, vitamin levels, hemoglobin electrophoresis, coagulation profiles, serum protein testing, and, in selected cases, flow cytometry and bone marrow biopsy. Treatment ranges from supplements and lifestyle guidance to immune modulating medications, blood thinners, targeted agents, or coordinated oncology therapies.
Throughout, we communicate clearly about timelines, expected benefits, and side effects, and we adapt the plan as your labs and symptoms improve.
Pediatric Hematology: Child Focused Blood Disorder Care and Testing
- Common childhood anemias (iron deficiency, hemolytic anemia, hereditary spherocytosis).
- Platelet and bleeding disorders (ITP, von Willebrand disease).
- Sickle cell disease and thalassemia, with a focus on pain prevention, vaccination schedules, stroke screening, school planning, and growth/development support.
- Collaboration with pediatric oncology for childhood leukemias and lymphomas when indicated.
We explain each step in family friendly terms, minimize needle sticks when possible, provide numbing techniques for procedures, and coordinate closely with your pediatrician and school to support attendance and activity. We also help families plan nutrition, hydration, and activity to maintain energy and reduce complications from anemia or bleeding issues.
Hematology Tests Explained: CBC, Panels, and How a Hematology Analyzer Works
CBC (complete blood count): Measures hemoglobin/hematocrit (red blood cells), white blood cell types, and platelets. It is the foundation of hematology testing.
Iron studies: Ferritin, iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation help distinguish iron deficiency from anemia of chronic disease.
Vitamin levels: B12 and folate help pinpoint nutritional causes of anemia.
Reticulocyte count: Shows if the bone marrow is producing new red blood cells.
Hemolysis panel: LDH, haptoglobin, and bilirubin indicate if red cells are breaking down too quickly.
Coagulation tests: PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, evaluate bleeding and clotting problems.
Specialized tests: Hemoglobin electrophoresis for hemoglobinopathies; serum protein electrophoresis/free light chains for plasma cell disorders: flow cytometry and molecular studies for suspected hematologic malignancy.
How a hematology analyzer works: It is an automated device that counts blood cells and measures their size and characteristics using technologies like electrical impedance and optical/fluorescent methods. It delivers fast, precise counts that guide follow up testing.
While very accurate, analyzer “flags” often prompt a smear review by a laboratory professional for confirmation. We explain your results in clear language and connect each test to the next steps, ensuring you always know the plan.
Hematologic Disorders: Common Conditions and Warning Signs
Anemias: Iron deficiency, B12/folate deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, hemolytic anemias.
Platelet disorders: ITP, platelet function disorders, and drug induced low platelets.
Bleeding disorders: Von Willebrand disease, hemophilia.
Clotting tendencies: Inherited or acquired thrombophilia causing DVT/PE.
White cell disorders: Neutropenia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), myeloproliferative disorders.
Plasma cell disorders: MGUS, multiple myeloma.
Hematology Appointment Guide: How Long It Takes and How to Prepare ?
Length: First visits generally last 45–60 minutes, including review of your history, exam, and ordering labs. Follow ups are often 20–30 minutes.
Fasting: Most hematology blood tests do not require fasting, but certain lipid or metabolic tests sometimes do. We’ll advise you if fasting is needed.
Preparation: Bring a list of medications and supplements, prior lab results and imaging, and your questions. If you’ve had recent bleeding, bruising, clots, fevers, or weight changes, note the timing and triggers. Hydration can make blood draws easier.
After your visit, We summarize your plan in writing. Results are shared promptly, and we schedule follow ups or infusions as needed. If urgent abnormalities are found, you will hear from us the same day with the next steps.
Hematology and Oncology Specialists: Coordinated Cancer and Blood Care
- Nurse navigation to streamline scheduling, insurance authorization, and education.
- Infusion services for iron, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and supportive medications are available.
- Evidence based care pathways that reduce delays and improve outcomes.
- Direct communication with your primary care physician and any involved specialists (cardiology, nephrology, gynecology, surgery).
We welcome second opinions and offer clear explanations of benefits, risks, and alternatives so you can make confident decisions. Our goal is to align your treatment with your life, including your work, family, and the activities that matter most to you.
Hematologic Cancers: Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma —What Patients Should Know ?
Hematologic cancers vary widely, but timely diagnosis and tailored therapy are key.
Leukemia: Acute leukemias can present suddenly with fatigue, infections, fever, bleeding or bruising, while chronic leukemias may be found on routine labs. Diagnosis uses blood tests, flow cytometry, and often a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment may include targeted drugs, chemotherapy, and in some cases, a stem cell transplant.
Lymphoma: Symptoms can include painless lymph node swelling, night sweats, fevers, and weight loss. Diagnosis relies on lymph node biopsy and imaging. Therapy may involve chemoimmunotherapy, targeted agents, or radiation, depending on type and stage.
Multiple myeloma: Often causes bone pain, anemia, kidney changes, or high calcium. Workup includes blood and urine protein testing, free light chains, imaging, and sometimes marrow biopsy. Treatment commonly combines targeted agents, immunomodulators, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and consideration of autologous transplant.
For all cancers, supportive care such as vaccinations, infection prevention, bone health measures, and rehabilitation helps maintain quality of life. Survivorship planning also addresses late effects and long term wellness, with regular monitoring and a proactive plan for nutrition, exercise, and symptom tracking.
For more information about our academic and training initiatives, visit Liv Hospital Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions for Hematology
What is the difference between hematology and oncology?
Hematology addresses blood-related conditions; oncology treats cancers. Hematology/oncology combines both for comprehensive care of blood cancers.
What does a hematology test do?
It screens for abnormalities in blood cell counts and clues to iron/vitamin deficiencies, bleeding/clotting issues, hemolysis, infection, inflammation, and cancers.
What is pediatric hematology?
The diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders in children, including anemia, ITP, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and pediatric leukemias/lymphomas, are crucial.
What tube is used for a hematology test?
Most CBC samples are collected in a lavender-top tube containing EDTA anticoagulant.
What is the hematology test?
Most commonly, the CBC measures red cells, white cells, and platelets to screen for anemia, infection, inflammation, and clotting issues.
How long does a hematology appointment take?
New visits typically take 45–60 minutes; follow-ups take 20–30 minutes, depending on the type of testing.
