The bone marrow is where the blood cells are made.  A bone marrow biopsy involves taking a sample of bone marrow, usually from the hip bone to see how well the bone marrow is functioning.  Bone marrow biopsies are performed in the Haematology Day Ward and are part of the diagnostic tool for a number of conditions including leukaemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, pancytopenia and anaemia.

Bone marrow biopsies are performed in the Haematology Day Ward usually with sedation so it is essential you have someone to collect you after the procedure. 

• Bone Marrow Biopsy Patient Info Handout (PDF, 312.2 KB)

Blood tests are an important part of monitoring haematology conditions.  They may be done at either your local LabTests or at the Counties Manukau, Middlemore Hospital Laboratory either on site at Middlemore or at the Manukau Superclinic.

You may require Full Blood Count (FBC), coagulation and biochemistry tests –  monitoring of kidney and renal function.

Red cell (blood) transfusions are given to treat symptomatic anaemia.  For haematology patients, these are given in the Haematology Day Ward.  Two or three units of red cells are usually given and each unit takes approximately two hours. 

These are given to patients with anaemia due to a deficiency of iron.  They are usually prescribed when a trial of iron tablets has been unsuccessful.  The iron solution is given through an intravenous drip in your hand or arm.

Venesections are performed to remove red blood cells or iron from the body.  They are commonly performed to treat haemochromatosis, which is an inherited disorder where the iron in the food you consume is absorbed into your body over and above your needs. It is then stored in the organs of the body.   

A wide range of chemotherapy is given in the Haematology Day Ward.  Information leaflets specific to each regimen will be given to you prior to commencing therapy and you will have an education session to make sure you are fully informed about side effects and what things to watch out for whilst you are having treatment.

Blood Transfusions for people with haematological conditions are done in the Haematology Day Ward.  Most people will require 2 - 3 units of blood and each bag takes about 2 hours to infuse.  Before a transfusion can take place a cross match blood test needs to be sent to Middlemore Hospital Blood Bank so that the right blood can be matched for the patient. 

If you have never received blood before or longer than 3 months previously there is a 7 day time period that the blood must be transfused in.

If you have had a transfusion within the last 3 months, the transfusion must be completed within 72 hours of the cross match being taken. 

A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, is a procedure to collect and look at the cerebrospinal fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord.  These may be done as part of staging for lymphoma. 

The Warfarin Education Programme has been developed for healthcare professionals to use for providing structured comprehensive education for their patients. 

If you have any enquiries about, or problems with, any aspects of your warfarin therapy, please discuss these with your doctor.