Hematologist: Job, career and responsibilities

What Hematologist do :

Healthcare scientists (also known as clinical scientists) working in haematology are concerned with the study of:

• blood;
• blood-forming tissues;
• blood-related disorders.

Their work is usually carried out in specialist departments of hospitals where they interpret test results to diagnose blood-based abnormalities.

They look at the size, structure, function and amount of different types of blood cells and produce reports and scientific analyses to show their findings.

Types of healthcare scientist, haematology

Some healthcare scientists specialising in haematology work in laboratories in biomedical roles, while others work in blood transfusion centres or in clinical roles where they have direct contact with patients.

They work with other clinical professionals within a multidisciplinary team to consult, and advise patients.

Doctors can also specialise in haematology but this is a very different career route.

Responsibilities

Haematology is a constantly developing area of medicine and provides scope for clinical and laboratory experience. Work activities may involve:

• receiving and preparing blood samples for analysis;
• analysing blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques;
• reviewing initial data that reveals, for example, white or red blood cell abnormalities;
• making decisions on further haematological analysis;
• liaising with other medical professionals to discuss patient treatment plans;
• prescribing specific types of treatment for individual patients;
• cross-matching blood for use in transfusions;
• investigating the biochemistry of blood clotting;
• producing quantitative data in the form of reports and providing key information to medical staff about a patient's condition;
• assisting colleagues in the interpretation of test results;
• selecting appropriate techniques for different types of haematological analysis;
• maintaining accurate and detailed records.

Healthcare scientists at more senior levels may perform additional activities such as:

• teaching or training medical students and other hospital staff, e.g. nursing and portering staff;
• applying for and managing departmental and/or laboratory finances and resources;
• taking responsibility for working towards targets;
• liaising with haematology colleagues on a regional or national basis.

See more at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/healthcare-scientist-haematology

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