Laboratory Haematology

Clinical service overview

The tests we undertake include:

• general haematology, including blood film morphology
• coagulation
• providing test results for clotting problems as well as bleeding disorders such as haemophilia and von Willebrand disease
• flow cytometry for diagnosis
• minimal residual disease testing for haematological malignancies

A laboratory haematologist is available 24 hours to consult on issues such as test interpretation, new haematological diagnoses and transfusion support, particularly in the acutely bleeding patient.

Our laboratory also has close ties with local academic and research departments, including the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, the National Trauma Research Institute and the Transfusion Outcomes Research Collaborative (based at the Monash University Department of Epidemiology).

Warfarin dosing

Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy may be managed through the Haematology Laboratory unit by the haematology registrars.

Warfarin dosing for patients is done on a daily basis Monday to Friday during normal business hours (8.30am to 5.30pm).

Testing is performed within the Haematology Laboratory unit and based on the result the dose of warfarin will be determined for each patient.

Notification of patient dosing may be communicated directly to the patient or their physician by phone or fax.

Bone marrow biopsies

Our laboratory haematology registrars perform bone marrow biopsies for the diagnosis of haematological malignancies on Monday – Thursday mornings in the Haematology Oncology Clinic, South Block Level 1.

Bookings for a biopsy can be made by calling (03) 9076 3075. A patient information sheet is provided to patients. Ensure that a signed request slip is must be provided and that the patient is must be fasted for the procedure.

Blood Bank

The Blood Bank at The Alfred provides support for a wide range of trauma, transplant and surgical procedures in close liaison with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

Transfusion Medicine

The Transfusion Medicine team, comprising a specialist transfusion medicine haematologist, two transfusion nurses and a transfusion scientist, follows up transfusion reactions, ensures quality hospital wide transfusion practice and has an extensive educational role for nurses and medical staff.

Immunology

The Immunology Laboratory conducts a large range of assays for autoimmune and allergic disorders.

The Molecular Biology Laboratory

The Molecular Biology Laboratory, based at the Burnet Institute, provides state-of-the art molecular testing for acute leukaemias. We support the Clinical Haematology Unit, particularly the extensive haematology clinical trials unit and the bone marrow transplant program.

Key contacts

Blood Bank - (03) 9076 3100

After-hours laboratory haematologist - (03) 9076 2000

Haematology laboratory registrars - (03) 9076 3075

Head of unit - (03) 9076 3693

Principle scientist - (03) 9076 3266