Haematology

Involves the study of the morphology and physiology of blood. They use automated instruments to enumerate blood cells and haemoglobin, microscopy to identify normal and abnormal cells and radioisotope and enzyme-linked techniques to measure vitamins. White blood cells are identified and classified using flow cytometry and specialised staining procedures. Such tests aid diagnosis and treatment of anaemia and leukaemia. Another important area is the study of abnormalities of blood coagulation (clotting).