Introduction to haematology

This chapter introduces haematology, which is the science of the study of blood. The chapter looks at its relation to other disciplines in pathology. It discusses haematology in the wider aspects of health care, and it outlines how haematologists relate to colleagues working in other disciplines within pathology, in hospitals, and with the professional bodies. It also explains the key aspects of the science of haematology and the role of the scientist in the haematology laboratory and in the provision of health care. The chapter describes the haematology laboratory in a healthcare setting, which is concerned with diagnosing and monitoring the management of diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs. It clarifies that blood is a dynamic and crucial fluid that provides molecular and cellular transport and many regulatory functions.