Overview:
The hematology section is primarily responsible for the initial diagnosis and subsequent evaluation of a spectrum of hematologic disorders, both common and uncommon, including anemias, leukemias and other causes of low or high blood counts. These disorders are most often detected in complete blood counts (CBCs), which account for the highest volume test in the laboratory (~500,000/year), with complex cases reviewed by an experienced hematopathologist. The section is also responsible for, amongst others, bone marrow preparation and triage to determine the need for cytochemical analysis, flow cytometry and genetic studies. In this context and numerous others, it collaborates closely with the hematopathology section.
Most commonly performed assays are ordered using the usual mechanisms. However, a hematopathology fellow and attending are available 24/7 to discuss the performance of specific tests, and the interpretation thereof.
The director, other staff hematopathologists, a hematology laboratory system specialist and skilled technical staff have considerable expertise and experience in diagnostic hematology, with the faculty leadership enjoying (inter)national recognition in this arena. In particular, the staff has a unique skill in integrating the various facets involved in the evaluation of patients with neoplastic hematologic disorders, including morphology, histology, cytochemistry, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics and molecular genetics.
The Hematology Laboratory works closely with the faculty and staff of the Molecular Pathology Laboratory to develop new molecular based diagnostic assays in hematopathology.
Highlights:
- National profile of senior faculty prominent in teaching numerous national courses and lecturing at other major medical centers
- Integrated laboratory assays
- Integrated evaluation of patients with neoplastic hematologic disorders
- One of pioneering hematology laboratories nationwide with automated/robotic system
- Devised an automated rules system to prevent the inappropriate overutilization of common hematology laboratory tests
- New assay development (e.g., ZAP70, Multiplex RT-PCR for acute leukemia translocations, capillary electrophoresis for IGH PCR).
Contact:
Laboratory: 7 Gates
Adam Bagg, MD, Director
215-662-6550
adambagg@mail.med.upenn.eduMariusz Wasik, MD, Associate Director
215-662-3467
wasik@mail.med.upenn.edu
