Haematology
Haematology is the discipline associated with blood, blood-forming organs and blood related diseases.
About us
Haematology is a subdivision of medicine dealing with the study of:
- Blood cells specifically erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets.
- Bone marrow as the site of blood cell production from stem cells.
- Lymphoid system which functions in the immune response by generating specific types of lymphocytes.
- Haemostatic system-inherited & acquired disorders predisposing to bleeding tendency.
- Inherited and acquired disorders predisposing to thrombosis.
- Genetics: DNA abnormalities that underlies inherited & acquired blood disorders
Haematologists are involved in diagnosing a range of benign & malignant conditions that may affect the above components. At Ampath we use current technology & testing to achieve an accurate & comprehensive diagnosis which is the starting point for effective patient management.
INR Monitoring and Warfarin dosing Services
Ampath offers a comprehensive INR monitoring and warfarin dosing service, providing healthcare professionals with reliable support in managing patients on anticoagulant therapy. This dosing service is offered for both in-patients and out-patients.
For more information or to access our INR monitoring and warfarin dosing services contact your nearest Ampath Care Centre.
Bone marrow Investigations
A bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy can be done to assess the bone marrow status. It is usually done under local anaesthetic from the posterior iliac crest of the pelvic bone.
Cost
Please note that even though a bone marrow procedure is relatively simple to perform a range of tests may be requested. Specialised testing is expensive and often necessary for accurate diagnosis. Patients are encouraged to confirm if their medical aid authorises the procedure and ask for a pre-procedure quotation.
How to request a bone marrow investigation
Clinicians can contact their nearest Ampath Care Centre or local haematologist to arrange a bone marrow aspiration booking. Sedation is rarely used, but, if necessary, please clearly state that this is a requirement so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Therapeutic Venesections
This is the removal of blood for the treatment of selected conditions such as hereditary haemochromatosis and erythrocytosis, e.g. polycythaemia vera or chronic hypoxia. The procedure is the same as for blood donors and is generally well tolerated. Every pint (450ml) of blood removed contains about a quarter of a gram of iron.
In the case of adults, once-weekly therapeutic venesection is recommended initially. More frequent venesections may be appropriate for those with more severe iron overload.
For individuals who cannot tolerate therapeutic venesection, other options may include a more limited therapeutic venesection schedule or volume, erythrocytapheresis or iron chelation.
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Consultative Haematology
Our hematologists endeavor to provide expert advice to our referring clients regarding the diagnosis and management of blood disorders. Consultations may arise from abnormal full blood count results, such as unexplained cytopenia; bleeding or clotting disorders; systemic disorders with hematological manifestations or advice on suspected hematological malignancies. Consultative hematology emphasizes the collaboration between the hematologist and referring client to enhance the care of the patient.
Social Responsibility
Report on Outreach Visit to Maputo, Mozambique
As a community-driven and patient-focused organization, Ampath Pathologists remains committed to enhancing patient care, supporting education, and fostering development in resource-limited settings.
During a recent outreach initiative to Maputo, Mozambique, Dr. Lelanie Pretorius (Haematologist) and Mrs. Debbie Oliver (Area Laboratory Manager – Nelspruit) had the opportunity to engage with several key institutions, including the Oceanpath Ampath Laboratory, the Icor Heart Institute, and the Haematology Department at Maputo Central Hospital.
At Maputo Central Hospital, Dr Pretorius collaborated closely with Dr. Virgilio Nhantumbo and Dr. Nelia Manguele. In addition, Mrs. Oliver delivered technical training to laboratory staff on bone marrow smear preparation, further enhancing the department’s diagnostic capabilities.
The outreach visit proved to be both productive and inspiring.
Get in Contact with us
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Get in Contact with us
Paternity/Kinship Testing
Ampath Laboratories offers accredited forensic DNA testing to determine biological relationships in both legal and personal contexts. Our analyses are based on validated genetic methodologies and adhere to strict chain of-custody protocols to ensure results are accurate, confidential, and legally admissible when required.
Our relationship testing services are commonly used in the following scenarios:
Paternity testing – to confirm or exclude the biological relationship between a child and an alleged father
Maternity testing – in cases of adoption, surrogacy, or hospital mix-ups
Sibling testing – to assess whether individuals share one or both biological parents
Grand parentage testing – useful when the alleged parent is unavailable for testing
Avuncular testing – to determine a biological relationship through an aunt or uncle
Immigration and citizenship cases – where proof of a biological relationship is required by authorities
Inheritance or estate claims – to establish rightful beneficiaries in legal matters
Personal reassurance – for individuals seeking clarity about their biological relationships without legal proceedings
Testing can be requested by private individuals, legal professionals, or government agencies, and results are typically available within a standard turnaround time under full confidentiality.:
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