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A hematologist is a doctor who specialises in diseases of the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. You should see one if you have unexplained or persistent anemia, abnormal blood counts, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual blood clots, enlarged lymph nodes or spleen, or a family history of an inherited blood disorder.
What does a hematologist do?
A hematologist is a specialist doctor trained in disorders of the blood and blood-forming organs: red cells, white cells, platelets, clotting proteins, the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Hematologists diagnose and treat both non-cancerous conditions (such as anemia, thalassemia, ITP and hemophilia) and blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma). Many, like Dr Prakash Singh Shekhawat, also perform bone marrow transplants and CAR-T cell therapy.
10 signs you should see a hematologist
- Anemia that does not improve after a course of iron or vitamin treatment, or keeps coming back.
- Anemia with no clear cause, especially in men or in women after menopause.
- Abnormal white cell count, either very high or very low, on more than one test.
- Low or high platelet count that persists after an infection has settled.
- Easy bruising or bleeding: frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy periods, or prolonged bleeding after a tooth extraction or surgery.
- Unusual blood clots, such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at a young age, without an obvious reason, or in an unusual site.
- Painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin that last more than 2–3 weeks.
- Fever, night sweats and weight loss together, without an explained infection.
- An enlarged spleen found on examination or ultrasound.
- A family history of thalassemia, sickle cell disease or hemophilia, particularly before marriage or pregnancy.
When is it urgent?
Go to a hospital emergency department immediately if you have heavy bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, blood in vomit, a sudden severe headache, high fever while on chemotherapy, or sudden breathlessness or chest pain. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
How to prepare for your first visit
- Bring all previous blood reports, ideally arranged by date, so trends are visible.
- Bring biopsy, bone marrow and scan reports, and discharge summaries.
- Make a list of all medicines and supplements, including iron, vitamins and herbal products.
- Note any blood transfusions you have had, and any family history of blood disorders.
- Write down your questions so nothing is forgotten during the consultation.
Common tests a hematologist may order
Depending on your problem, tests may include a repeat complete blood count (CBC) with peripheral smear, iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate levels, hemoglobin HPLC (for thalassemia), coagulation tests, and in some cases a bone marrow examination, flow cytometry or a lymph node biopsy. Most first evaluations need only blood tests.
This guide is general health information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Reference ranges and recommendations can differ between laboratories and individuals.