The haematology laboratory is able to perform a number of tests to help establish the cause of illness
in children. The full blood count (FBC, also known as a complete blood count, CBC) is one of the most
basic blood tests performed on children attending hospital or a primary care clinic. All doctors should
therefore have an understanding of how the test is performed, possible pitfalls, be able to interpret
results and know when more specialised testing or advice is required. Other haematological
investigations in routine use include coagulation screens, blood film examination, reticulocyte counts
and methods for estimation of iron stores and detection of abnormal haemoglobins. This section will
focus on these basic tests and simple algorithms for the subsequent investigation and differential
diagnosis of the commonest haemato-logical abnormalities encountered in general paediatric practice.
The reader is referred to Chapter 15 for an account of the clinical presentation and management of
primary haematological disorders in children
