Hematology Services
Our convenient location in Gettysburg, PA has given us the opportunity to help families in the area for more than 25 years. We provide comprehensive hematology care for common blood disorders like anemia to more complicated illnesses such as leukemia.
We understand how exhausting — emotionally, mentally and physically — a blood disorder can be for a patient and their family. It’s why our services go beyond the care of other hematology hospitals and centers throughout Gettysburg and Central Pennsylvania.
Our compassionate team provides high-quality care and makes your visits comfortable and simple, as if you’re in your living room at home with friends and family. It’s the same care we would give our families.
Hematology services include diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. We’re proud to offer hematology care in two convenient locations, so patients and their families don’t have to travel to different hematology hospitals across Central Pennsylvania for tests or treatments.
What Is Hematology?
Dedicated to medical advancements in treatments for specific disorders, hematology is the study of blood, blood diseases and blood-forming organs. Dealing with the pathology, physiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of blood diseases, disorders and malignancies, hematology deals with the treatment of lymphoma, leukemia, hemophilia and sickle-cell anemia. With a focus on bone marrow and lymphatic organs like the lymph nodes, thymus, lymphoid tissue and spleen — which are all fed by blood cells — hematology tests may help to diagnose platelet or blood count irregularities.
There are multiple areas of study within hematology, including a focus on hemoglobinopathy — or the study of abnormalities in molecules. Others include hematological or blood malignancies, anemia and coagulopathy, which focuses on blood coagulation. Hematology is also closely linked to oncology for the treatment of blood and bone marrow cancers.
Types of hematology tests used to diagnose blood disorders include:
- Complete blood count tests
- Blood chemistry tests
- Blood enzyme tests
- Blood tests to assess risk of heart disease
The Anatomy of Blood
Blood is made up of various components, including:
- Red blood cells: Making up 45 percent of blood, red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues as well as transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.
- White blood cells: Also produced in bone marrow, white blood cells fight infection and make up less than one percent of blood along with platelets.
- Platelets: Small and colorless, platelets stick together and clot to prevent excessive bleeding.
- Plasma: The fluid component of blood, plasma is made up of 92 percent water as well as sugars, mineral salts, proteins, hormones, fats, and vitamins.
Hematology Services
Our hematology care treats several common blood disorders, including: Anemia, Immunodeficiency, Leukemia, Clotting or Bleeding Disorders and Bone Marrow Disorders.
Anemia
This is when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. Low energy, loss of hair and pale skin are all symptoms of anemia. Shortness of breath, without exercise, can also be a symptom.
Immunodeficiency
This is when your body’s immune system, like your white blood cells, can’t defend against infections. Fevers, night sweats and infections that won’t heal are signs of immunodeficiency.
Leukemia
A form of cancer that causes abnormal, cancerous white blood cells. Symptoms of leukemia include low energy, easy bruising and continued infections.
Clotting or Bleeding Disorders
When your body can’t stop its bleeding effectively. Cuts or other scrapes that are slow to clot, as well as premature strokes and heart attacks, are possible signs of a bleeding disorder.
Bone Marrow Disorders
Caused by your bone marrow’s stem cells, which is where your blood cells are produced. Exhaustion, bruising and infections that won’t go away are potential symptoms of bone marrow disorders.
Services in Both Centers
You’ll find Dr. Khair and Dr. Shah are available for patient visits at our Gettysburg, PA location and the Hanover Cancer Center’s hematology location in Hanover, PA.