From a medical standpoint, hematology is the study of blood and bone marrow. Hematologists are doctors who work in the field of hematology. They usually specialize in a specific condition or population. Hematopathologists are clinical laboratory scientists who assist physicians in making diagnoses and treatment decisions based on physical and chemical analyses of blood samples. Nurses and laboratory technicians assist doctors and scientists in their work in other hematology jobs.
Patients with blood disorders such as anemia, hemophilia, and thrombosis are diagnosed and treated by hematologists. Some doctors specialize in pediatrics, providing services tailored to children and adolescents. Others concentrate on cancers of the blood, such as leukemia. Physical examinations and diagnostic imaging tests are used by hematologists to investigate blood disorders. Nurses assist them by providing expert care and counseling to patients. Although some hematologists and nurses work in private practices or specialty clinics, the majority of hematologists and nurses work in general hospitals.
Doctors draw blood samples and send them to the hospital laboratory when they suspect a patient has a blood disease. Microscopes, cell counters, and chemical dyes are used by hematopathologists to test and analyze samples for abnormalities such as bacteria and cancer. He or she can tell if a person’s blood component levels are unusually high or low, as well as what disease might be causing the problem. The hematopathologist documents the findings and makes a diagnosis, then sends the information to hematologists to help them decide on the best course of action.
Hematology laboratory technicians provide support to hematopathologists. They collect blood samples from doctors, prepare microscope slides, set up equipment, and clean the lab after the experiments are completed. Blood samples that will not be tested right away are labeled and kept in refrigerators. Some technicians are trained to perform basic analyses on samples, allowing hematopathologists to focus on more complex or difficult cases. Technicians also keep an eye on computer databases to ensure that data is well-organized, up-to-date, and correct.
The education and training requirements for various hematology positions differ. Before working independently, hematologists and hematopathologists must complete medical school and up to six years of residency and fellowship programs. The majority of nurses have bachelor’s or master’s degrees and are certified by regional governing boards. Medical technicians typically need an associate’s degree in the field as well as regional licensure. With continued education, experience, and expert skills, most hematology jobs offer opportunities for advancement.