Before treatment

To help diagnose your blood disorder, you will probably have blood samples taken for analysis in the laboratory.

Blood tests

Tests may include:

  • FBC (Full Blood Count): gives information on the number of cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) in your blood.
  • ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): a screening test that may give an indication of inflammatory disease or abnormal protein levels.
  • INR (International Normalised Ratio): monitors your clotting function when on warfarin (anticoagulant/anticlotting) therapy.
  • Coagulation/Clotting Screen:  a group of tests to check coagulation or clotting function.

You will have other routine blood tests.

Other common tests

We may also run some other tests to diagnose or investigate your condition

  • CT Scan - this scan uses an x-ray machine with a computer to produce pictures of the head or body. It shows the soft tissues and bones in more detail than an ordinary x-ray.
  • Ultrasound - uses high frequency sound waves (unable to be heard by the human ear) and a computer to produce a picture of most parts of the body except for the lung, bowel, or bone.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a recording of your heart's electrical activity.
  • Echocardiogram (Echo) – is an ultrasound of your heart.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – a scanner which produces cross sectional soft tissue images of any area of your body.
  • Multi-gated Assessment (MUGA) – a test of the heart designed to evaluate the function of the right and left ventricles of the heart and to indicate heart failure.
  • Bone Scan – a scan which uses a small amount of radioactive material which produces a map of your bones. This shows any changes to their structure or make-up.
  • GFR – is a test performed that measures the function of your kidneys.

You may also have to visit a dentist before having treatment to ensure your oral health is satisfactory.

If you have a cancer diagnosis you will likely be visited by your Community Cancer Nurse and given information about your treatment plan.

You may have to be admitted to hospital during the process of diagnosing your condition.

Last updated 23 October 2020.