Examples of haematology

• Scanning the fetal scalp smear is a reliable way for an experienced haematology laboratory technician to determine the fetal platelet count.

• Traditional diagnostic tests such as conventional haematology, and culture of blood, body fluids and tissues have serious limitations.

• Investigations were analysed by volume and cost within four categories: chemical pathology, haematology, radiology and other.

• The presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin band, along with immunoparesis of the remaining immunoglobulin levels, should alert the clinician to the possibility of myeloma, and a referral to haematology made.

• Consultants in the specialties of medical oncology, clinical oncology—radiotherapy— radiology/nuclear medicine, haematology and general surgery all treat cancer patients.

• There are many distinct specialties such as medical physics, clinical chemistry, microbiology, histopathology and haematology.

• There is also concern about the closure of the haematology department.

• We would expect haematology, pain control and the role of counselling and screening in genetic disease to be covered during the undergraduate syllabus.