Anaemia and abnormal blood counts

This happens when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells.

Anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) is also known as anaemia of inflammation. It is the second most common form of anaemia. This type of anaemia can occur in people with long-term conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disorders or infections.

Healthy kidneys make a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which tells your bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When the kidneys are damaged, they may not make enough EPO. 

This causes your body to produce fewer red blood cells, so less oxygen is carried around your body.

Anaemia before surgery can affect how well your body recovers afterwards. If you are due to have an operation at UCLH, you may be referred to the general haematology service for tests. This allows the team to identify and, if possible, treat any anaemia before your surgery.

Some people have too many red blood cells. This can be due to a problem in the bone marrow or linked to another health condition. The team will arrange tests to find out the cause and decide on the best treatment. If needed, they may refer you to another haematology clinic for specialist care.

Doctors name the condition based on which white blood cells are low. It may be called neutropenia, lymphopenia or eosinopenia. Low white blood cells can happen for many reasons, some mild and temporary, others more serious.

This can also have various causes. Doctors name this condition based on which white blood cells are high. It may be called neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, monocytosis or basophilia.

Low platelet levels can make you bruise or bleed more. There are many possible causes, which the team will help investigate.

Some people have too many platelets. This can be due to a problem in the bone marrow or linked to another health condition. The team will arrange tests to find out the cause and decide on the best treatment. If needed, they may refer you to another haematology clinic for specialist care.

Many people referred to the haematology service worry that they might have cancer. While this is true for some, most people referred do not have cancer.

Doctors may order other blood tests, X-rays, scans or a bone marrow biopsy to understand your results. Once the team has your results, they may discharge you from the clinic. If you need treatment or ongoing follow-up, the team will refer you to the right specialist.