Adult Hematology

Your unique medical case will first be reviewed by our hematology nurse coordinator and the assigned hematologist. You may be asked to complete necessary laboratory testing or other referrals prior to your first clinic appointment. Our specialist physicians will work with you to develop a dedicated treatment plan. After deciding on the best path forward, we will order any additional tests, medications and other referrals, and get you started on your treatment.

Laboratory test results are very important to your treatment plan, and you can expect to routinely visit your local laboratory prior to all appointments and treatments. Our nursing staff will call you 48 hours before your appointment to review your laboratory work, or remind you to have this completed prior to coming to the clinic. For all procedures, you will be given detailed preparation instructions.

On the day of treatment or infusion, we will assess your general health, and your laboratory results will be reviewed if necessary. We will keep you informed of the results and what is going on at every stage of your treatment. It is important that you let your nurses know if you feel unwell or have a fever, as this may affect your treatment.

Our infusion center team of nurses, doctors and pharmacists will work together to prepare your infusions. As your treatment may be customized for your particular needs, there may be a wait for your medication or therapy to arrive. During this time, you, and anyone accompanying you, can wait in the treatment area. Every effort is made to limit your wait time and ensure the high quality and safety of your medication.

Your treatment may require accessing blood vessels either through a small vein in your arm or a larger vein in your upper chest or lower neck (central veinous access). You may also be given intravenous hydration before or after your medication has been administered. This will be a part of your consultation with the nurse, and explained to you at that time. Treatment may last between one and eight hours, depending on the type of therapy you are receiving. 

Once your treatment is complete, you will be given specific discharge instructions and we will discuss possible side effects, complications or other concerns. You may be discharged back to your Primary Care physician for general follow-ups or your designated JHAH regional health center for future treatments or laboratory blood testing.