Haematalogical investigations in children

Halsey, C. and Chalmers, E.A. (2009) Haematalogical investigations in children. In: Goel, K. and Gupta, D. (eds.) Hutchison's Paediatrics. Jaypee Brothers, Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.. ISBN 9788184485868

Abstract

The haematology laboratory is able to perform a number of tests to help establish the cause of illness in children. The full blood count (FBC, also known as a complete blood count, CBC) is one of the most basic blood tests performed on children attending hospital or a primary care clinic. All doctors should therefore have an understanding of how the test is performed, possible pitfalls, be able to interpret results and know when more specialised testing or advice is required. Other haematological investigations in routine use include coagulation screens, blood film examination, reticulocyte counts and methods for estimation of iron stores and detection of abnormal haemoglobins. This section will focus on these basic tests and simple algorithms for the subsequent investigation and differential diagnosis of the commonest haemato-logical abnormalities encountered in general paediatric practice. The reader is referred to Chapter 15 for an account of the clinical presentation and management of primary haematological disorders in children.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Halsey, Professor Chris
• Authors: Halsey, C., and Chalmers, E.A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Publisher: Jaypee Brothers, Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.
• ISBN: 9788184485868
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2009 Jaypee Brothers, Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher.