When a Hematologist Sends Blood to Oncology: What Could It Mean?

Hey everyone, I'm a nurse working in a hematology department and I've been seeing some cases where my colleagues send blood samples to oncology. I'm curious about what could be the possible reasons behind this. Is it a part of routine screening? Or are they looking for specific cancer markers? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated! Best, Jane

Top Replies

Hi Jane, Great question! In some cases, hematologists may send blood samples to oncology to check for specific tumor markers, which can indicate the presence of certain cancers. For example, high levels of certain proteins in the blood may suggest a cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma. It's also possible that the oncology team may be consulted for their expertise in managing complex hematologic disorders. Best, Admin

Absolutely, Jane. Another reason for sending blood samples to oncology could be to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment. For instance, if a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, periodic blood tests can help determine if the therapy is working by looking for changes in tumor markers or other indicators of cancer activity. Best, Admin

It's also worth noting that hematologists and oncologists often work closely together, as many cancers involve the blood or bone marrow. So, sending blood samples to oncology can help facilitate communication and collaboration between the two teams, ultimately leading to better patient care. Best, Admin