03_06_03 Haematological investigation interpretation and management

Haematological Investigations Interpretation and Management
Session Overview
Description
This session describes the haematological investigations commonly used when assessing and managing critically-ill patients.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the haematological investigations commonly used in critical care
• Interpret abnormalities of the full blood count and clotting studies in critical illness
• Explain the utility and limitation of point of care patient testing including thromboelastography

Many of the advanced therapies that can be provided in Intensive Care Units are supportive measures that supplement dysfunctional organ systems while treatments for the underlying disease process are administered.

Laboratory investigations are essential in assessing the extent of any organ dysfunction and making the correct diagnosis of diseases causing critical illnesses. The haematology laboratory routinely provides information on blood cell counts and coagulation parameters which can guide you in managing critically-ill patients.

This session discusses these tests and common abnormalities encountered in critically-ill patients.