Haematology is a diverse and exciting discipline which relates to diseases of the blood and bone marrow. Haematology encompasses the clinical care of patients, the diagnosis and research of haematological conditions, and teaching and training. The Division of Haematology is a teaching and training site for undergraduate students, registrars and fellows in Haematological Pathology and Clinical Haematology.
The role of Haematology Pathology in patient diagnosis and management is essential and extensive. Virtually every patient will require a full blood count, and patients with bleeding or thrombosis will have clotting tests performed. The National Health Laboratory Service Laboratory (NHLS) at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) provides a comprehensive diagnostic laboratory service which maintains stringent international quality assurance standards. Specialised haematology tests available include flow cytometry, bone marrow biopsies, testing for genetic anaemias and molecular cytogenetic tests.
The UCT Haematology Research Laboratory located in the medical campus at the Faculty of Health Sciences conducts research projects in lymphoproliferative disorders (particularly HIV associated lymphoma), myeloproliferative disorders, acute myeloid leukaemia, and myeloma.
The Division of Clinical Haematology, in the Department of Medicine at Groote Schuur Hospital provides a comprehensive clinical service to patients and active research programme on both benign and malignant blood disorders including bleeding and clotting disorders. Clinical Haematology at GSH has the largest state funded comprehensive haematopoietic stem cell transplantation programme in South Africa. Subspecialist training in Clinical Haematology is provided to doctors who already have primary specialist registration in Internal Medicine or Haematology Pathology.
