Hematology

Unless you are diagnosed with a blood-related disease, you may not be familiar with the term hematology. It is a subspecialty of internal medicine and deals with the diagnosis and treatment of blood-related conditions such as sickle cell disease and various blood cancers.

Tanner Health brings together specialists in hematology and oncology to treat a wide range of blood disorders. These include anemia, sickle cell disease, platelet and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and some cancers.

Experts in hematology and oncology

Blood and blood-related diseases, especially cancers, are more common than you might expect. For example:

Approximately 1 in 100 women have a bleeding disorder, although many are unaware.
As many as 900,000 Americans annually experience a potentially dangerous blood clot.
About 100,000 people live with sickle cell disease (SCD), which affects red blood cells. SCD is the most common genetic disorder in the U.S.
In 2019, 10% of new cancer cases in the U.S. will be leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma — all blood-related cancers with significant leukemia symptoms.

Because blood is everywhere in your body, blood diseases can affect any organ, making blood diseases especially complex to diagnose and treat.

At Tanner, our hematologists are part of multidisciplinary teams that include specialists in internal medicine, pathology and transplantation as some patients with blood cancers require a stem-cell transplant as part of their treatment.

Together, your care team will develop a tailored treatment plan with you for your condition.

Hematology Frequently Asked Questions

Can stress affect hematology results?
Yes, stress can affect hematology test results by altering hormone levels and blood pressure, potentially leading to variations in test outcomes.

What is the number one hematology test that is drawn?
The complete blood count (CBC) is the most commonly ordered hematology test, as it provides important information about the types and numbers of blood cells.

How do I prepare for a hematology test?
Preparation for a hematology test may vary depending on the specific test, but generally, it is advisable to follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications.

What factors can influence the accuracy of hematology tests?
Several factors can influence accuracy, including improper handling of samples and medications, stress and certain medical conditions.

How does dehydration impact hematology test results?
Dehydration can concentrate the blood, potentially leading to elevated levels of cells and proteins, which may affect test results.