Haematology
Welcome
The haematology department based in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital treats patients with all types of blood disorders and is internationally renowned as a centre of excellence for chronic blood disorders including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. The reputation of this department was built over many decades by Professor Terry Hamblin and Professor David Oscier. The current team continues to maintain its prestige and reputation along with fostering strong links with the university research departments of Southampton and Oxford.
We pride ourselves being at the cutting edge of haematology and maintaining gold standard care in these conditions.
Our haematology team runs a 19 bed inpatient ward (ward 11) and a day care unit (ward 10) for the diagnosis and treatment of haematological disorders.
The majority of patients have a diagnosis of cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy and/or stem cell transplantation, although we also care for patients with non-cancerous blood conditions. Our team is lead by five haematology consultants. We have special interests in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), aplastic anaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. We strive for quality and best patient care through dedication and clinical trials.
More information on Haematology can be found on our dedicated Haematology section here
Haematology Tests
The following tests are routinely performed by the Haematology Department, at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
One or more of these tests may be ticked on your request form and they are usually performed on the day that the specimen arrives in the laboratory and the result returned to your Consultant/GP.
For more information on haematology services please click here.
Full blood count
The Full Blood Count (FBC) is a routine investigation that gives information on a patient’s blood cells. This can be useful as a screening test in many different situations, eg a raised White Blood Cell (WBC) count may indicate a response to infection and a low Haemoglobin (Hb) may indicate the presence of anaemia.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a non-specific blood test that may be raised in a variety of conditions but is not usually diagnostic on its own. It is used as a screening test for general health.
Clotting screen
The clotting screen is a group of tests designed to detect possible problems with a person’s blood coagulation / clotting mechanism.
International Normalised Ratio
The International Normalised Ratio (INR) is a test used to monitor a person’s coagulation /clotting mechanism when taking the anticoagulant drug Warfarin. Warfarin may be prescribed for a number of conditions including DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and AF (Atrial Fibrillation).
Additional guidance for patients taking Warfarin can be found here.
Infectious mononucleosis test
This is used to test for Infectious Mononucleosis, otherwise known as Glandular Fever. This is also sometimes known as a Paul Bunnell (PB) test.
