Our Haematology department cares for patients with diseases of the blood and infections of the blood. We diagnose and treat diseases that affect blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets, and blood clotting.
Our consultant haematology team diagnose and treat patients with blood disorders, infections carried by blood, and related cancers.
Our team includes
- Blood transfusion laboratory medical scientists
- Consultant haematologists
- Haematology clinical nurse specialists
- Haematology laboratory medical scientists
- Hemovigilance clinical nurse specialists
- Oncology specialist registrars
Who we treat
We see patients who may show signs of a blood-related condition. This includes:
- Anaemia
- Coagulation abnormalities, such as haemophilia and thrombophilia.
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
What to expect
On your first visit, you will have a consultation with a consultant haematologist in their private clinic. We will run some blood tests and other diagnostic tests.
Once we have diagnosed your condition, your consultant will discuss a treatment plan with you.
- Anticoagulation therapies
- Blood transfusion
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Treatment of an underlying condition
Blood Transfusion
One in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. In Ireland, blood transfusions are co-ordinated through the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), who use the highest of standards to ensure the blood we use is safe. You might need a transfusion of whole blood, or just some of the components of blood, such as red blood cells or platelets. A blood transfusion may be urgently required during surgery or may be a planned transfusion. Patients requiring blood transfusion or undergoing certain operations, such as open-heart surgery, will first have their blood-type tested to see which is their blood group. This is then cross-checked with blood from the IBTS, to find a "match" should it be needed for your surgery. This is called "cross-matching". Obviously, providing blood transfusions requires a steady stream of donors. The ITSB always welcome healthy donors: https://www.giveblood.ie/
Each of our hospitals has its own blood bank, which stores and administrates the use of blood and blood products. The blood bank includes a transfusion laboratory and a hemovigilance function to ensure full quality management of blood products.
The transfusion laboratory covers the investigations required to ensure compatibility with donor blood products when required for transfusion. Such investigations include blood grouping, antibody screening, irregular antibody identification and cross matching of donor blood with patient’s blood samples. Management of blood products and derivatives is the responsibility of responsibility of the transfusion laboratory. The management team for the blood bank includes the Chief Medical Scientist, Senior Medical Scientist, Hemovigilance Officer, Consultant Haematologist and Pathology Manager.
Haemovigilance and Traceability
Hemovigilance literally means being vigilant about blood - this term derives from the Greek work for blood. Adherence to the EU blood directive, ISO 15189 2012 and AML-BB standards is a priority for the Blood Bank. The hospital Hemovigilance Officer has responsibility for monitoring all transfusion related events. This officer, together with the transfusion laboratory staff ensures full traceability of blood products.
Types of blood-related conditions
Anaemia
Anaemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, and a lack of can cause fatigue and weakness.
Haemophilia
Haemophilia is an inherited genetic disorder that prevents the blood from clotting, causing long bleeds.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a cancer which affects the body's blood forming tissues, like the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. The bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, that cannot function correctly, and cannot fight off infections. Leukaemia is most common within children, and it requires a bone marrow transplant.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It causes swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, and groin. It can cause night sweats, fever, weight loss and difficulty breathing.
Myeloma
Myeloma is a type of bone marrow cancer. It forms in a type of white blood cell called the plasma cell. It can cause bone pain and fatigue.
How do I get this
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment. Please see our Request Appointment Form here.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page here, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page here. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
