Complete Blood Count

• Purpose: This test determines the level of various cells in blood, like RBCs, WBCs, haemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

• Use: Diagnoses anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorders, and blood cancers.
  
  

Peripheral Blood Smear

• Purpose: It examines the shape, size, and number of blood cells.

• Use: Determines the abnormalities in RBCs, WBCs, and platelets; hence, useful in diagnosing leukaemia, anaemia, and infections.
  
  

Reticulocyte Count

• Purpose: This is the count of the number of young red blood cells, called reticulocytes, in the blood.

• Use: Assesses bone marrow function and the body’s capacity to produce red blood cells; useful in the diagnosis of types of anaemia.
  
  

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

• Purpose: The bone marrow tissue is examined to assess its function and identify pathologies.

• Use: Diagnoses blood disorders such as leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other marrow disorders.
  
  

Coagulation Tests

Prothrombin Time (PT) test and International Normalized Ratio (INR) test.

• Purpose: Measured in seconds, how long it takes for blood to clot.

• Use: Diagnoses bleeding disorders; monitors anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin.
  
  

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)

• Purpose: Assesses intrinsic and common pathways of clotting.

• Use: Diagnoses bleeding disorders; monitors heparin therapy.
  
  

D-dimer Test

• Purpose: It measures the presence of fibrin degradation products.

• Use: Diagnoses clotting disorders like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
  
  

Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

• Purpose: This test separates and measures various types of hemoglobin in the blood.

• Use: Diagnoses hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.
  
  

Iron Studies

Serum Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, Ferritin  

• Purpose: To quantify iron levels and storage in the body.

• Use: Diagnoses types of anaemia, notably iron deficiency anaemia.
  
  

Flow Cytometry

• Purpose: To analyze the physical and chemical features of cells or particles.

• Use: Diagnoses blood cancers, monitors disease progression, and evaluates the effectiveness of treatment.
  
  

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

• Purpose: The rate of red blood cells settling down at the base of the test tube.

• Use: Reflects inflammation; is used to diagnose conditions like infections, auto-immune diseases, and cancers.
  
  

Serum Protein Electrophoresis and Immunofixation

• Purpose: Separates and measures proteins in the blood.

• Use: Diagnoses multiple myeloma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, and other monoclonal gammopathies.
  
  

Molecular and Genetic Tests

• Purpose: To analyze genetic material for mutations or abnormalities.

• Use: Diagnoses inherited blood disorders like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and some leukemias.
  
  

Cytogenetic Analysis

• Purpose: To Assess chromosomes for abnormalities.

• Use: Diagnoses leukemias, lymphomas, and other hematologic malignancies.
  
  

These and other tests form the cornerstones for the diagnosis and follow-up of conditions in haematology, allowing appropriate treatment and management to be implemented.