ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ten pearls of wisdom for general practitioners (GPs) for better understanding of haematology and for more efficient use of resources. These pearls have been acquired from years of experience and evidence-based study by specialists in the field. Red blood cell abnormalities include pencil cells in iron deficiency, polychromasia indicating a raised reticulocyte response in bleeding or haemolysis, target cells in liver disease and haemoglobinopathies and crenated cells in renal failure. The chapter also presents advice on diagnoses often overlooked by GPs while handling patients with haematological disorders. Diagnoses of the following diseases/disorders are recommended: haematological malignancies, coeliac disease, angiodysplasia, haemolytic anaemias, red cell distribution width (RDW), antiphospholipid syndrome, benign abnormalities in pregnancy, and low B12. The chapter provides guidance on how to distinguish tricky differentials and finally a few tips on prescribing medications for these patients.
