Haematology

Haematology is the study of the blood and its disorders. The word comes from the Greek word haîma, meaning blood.

Haematologists are the specialists who are experts in blood and bone marrow. Their work involves providing clinical care in hospital, along with running tests and analysing samples in the haematology lab. Blood is essential for our bodies and any problem with your blood or bone marrow can have a huge impact on your life.

As well as conditions such as anaemia, sickle cell disease, thalassemia and certain autoimmune diseases, haematology concerns cancers of the blood. You might get a specialist called a haemato-oncologist, who is an expert in blood cancer.

According to the charity Blood Cancer UK, blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with over 40,000 people being diagnosed with it every year. There are over 100 different types of blood cancer known at present.

The haematology department also studies and prescribes treatment for sickle cell disease, haemophilia, the complications of blood transfusion, and malignant diseases of the blood cells.

We are proud to facilitate consultant haematologists who can help test, diagnose, and treat or manage your symptoms in order to help improve your quality of life.

Some of the disorders treated by haematologists are:

• Anaemia (different types include iron deficiency, sickle cell anaemia and trauma-related anaemia)
• Myelofibrosis
• Leukaemia
• Platelet and bleeding disorders (such as haemophilia and Von Willebrand disease)
• Thalassemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Autoimmune diseases

Blood tests

Blood tests help diagnose and assess various blood disorders. The tests may be carried out to find the reason for a low or high number of red blood cells - this is known as anaemia, which is a very common condition. They can also find the reason for a low or high number of white blood cells, known as leukopenia.

Testing can also discover the reason for a low or high number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are the cell fragments that form clots and stop bleeding. This condition is called thrombocytopenia.

Conditions such as leukaemia and various other blood disorders can cause these blood abnormalities. Tests may also be done to monitor your response to treatment for leukaemia, or determine how far certain lymphomas or cancers have progressed.

Blood transfusion services

A blood transfusion is when blood from someone else is put into your body. The donor will have given their blood to be used for medical purposes.

If you have a low red blood cell count, you might need a blood transfusion. Your red blood cell count can drop for several reasons. You could have a condition such as sickle-cell anaemia, or a type of cancer that affects the red blood cells. Blood transfusions are also used when trauma causes severe bleeding - these cases might include childbirth, an accident, or surgery.

Your haematologist will ensure that the blood they transfuse is the perfect match for you. They will do this through checking it is the right blood group and analysing other factors.

Haemato-oncology treatment

Haemato-oncology is the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers. Treatment for lymphoma, myeloma and leukaemia in many instances is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that aims to stop cancer cells rapidly growing and dividing.

In addition, some patients may also be treated with radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses radiation to kill cancer cells.

Blood cancer is the most common kind of childhood cancer, but the risk increases with age - just under 40 per cent of people diagnosed with it are aged 75 or over. For the vast majority of patients, haemato-oncology treatment alleviates symptoms, improves survival and, in some patients, may cure the illness.

The first step to access private haematology treatment with us is usually to arrange an appointment with one of our specialists. They will be able to assess and diagnose your condition and talk you through the available treatment options, and together you'll decide on the best route for you.

To book your initial consultation, call our dedicated team of advisors, or take advantage of our easy online booking system.

You can access haematology treatment with us using private medical insurance or by paying for your own treatment.

Often haematology treatment will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your surgery. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests won't be included, but the cost of any procedures and hospital fees are, and so is your aftercare programme. There are no hidden costs down the line.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standards and delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about our treatments for blood disorders, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in May 2023. Next review due May 2026.

1. Haematology, Johns Hopkins
2. Facts and information about blood cancer, Blood Cancer UK
3. Haematologist, Cleveland Clinic