Haematology Consult 🩸
📋 Key Info to Have Ready
- Patient identifiers: full name, DoB, MRN, and current location
- Reason for admission – may be unrelated to reason for consult
- Reason for haematology consult and timeline – e.g. new anaemia, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy
- Past Medical History: known haematologic diagnoses (e.g. lymphoma, ITP, anaemia), cancer, clotting disorders
- Current medications: anticoagulants, antiplatelets, chemotherapy
- Recent observations: vitals, bleeding signs (petechiae, bruising, haematuria, etc.)
- Recent labs: FBC, film review, coagulation profile, iron studies, B12/folate, LDH, haptoglobin, retics, D-dimer
🔍 Investigations to Know
- FBC with differential
- Peripheral blood film (if available)
- Coagulation profile: PT, APTT, INR, fibrinogen
- Group & screen / crossmatch if transfusion anticipated
- Iron studies, B12, folate
- D-dimer and fibrinogen (if ?DIC or clot)
📞 Example Script
- Hi, this is [Your Name], the intern from [Team Name]. I'm calling to request a haematology consult for a [Age]-year-old [M/F] patient admitted with [reason for admission], but who now has a haematology concern of [e.g. worsening anaemia, new thrombocytopenia, suspected DVT].
- They have a background of [e.g. prostate cancer, ITP, anticoagulation]. Labs show [mention relevant FBC/coags/etc.].
- We’re hoping for input regarding [e.g. transfusion, further tests, need for review]. Let us know if you'd like any additional workup before attending.
📝 Tips
- Ensure a recent FBC is available, and flag any significant drops
- Clarify if the issue is bleeding, clotting, or unexplained cytopenia
- Have trends and transfusion thresholds prepared
- Check if blood film has been reviewed by lab or reported