About Us

The courses in Haematology are divided broadly into four main areas namely: General haematology, Oncology, Blood group serology (immunohaematology) and Haemostasis. The course contents are divided into lecture topics/discussions and practical sessions for complete coverage. In the four areas, more basic topics and corresponding practicals are considered in the Introductory Pathology (Pathology I) posting while systemic topics are taught in the later (Pathology II & III) postings.

1. Introductory Pathology I Posting (10-12 weeks)

Lecture topics/discussions are focused on the following: Haemopoiesis and its regulation, Reference values and indicies in haematology, Red cells- origin, morphology and function, Definition and classification of anaemias, Definition and classification of polycythaemia, White blood cells morphology, functions and disorders, Iron metabolism, Vitamin B12 and folate metabolism, Normal and abnormal haemoglobins, Platelet structure and functions, Plasma coagulation system, Human blood groups and their applications.

Practicals:

Preparation and staining of blood films

Microscopic identification of normal blood cells

Reporting of normal blood films.

Haemoglobin and packed cell volume determination

Red blood cell count

Total white blood cell count

Platelet count

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate determination.

b. Pathology II (Block I) Posting (8-10 weeks)/Pathology III (Block II) Posting (6-8 weeks)

Lecture topics/discussion includes the following:

General haematology:

• Iron deficiency and Iron overload

• Megaloblastic anaemia

• Aplastic and dyserythropoictic anaemias

• Sideroblastic and other hypoplastic anaemias

• Classification and general features of haemolytic anaemias

• Sickle cell disease

• Thalassaemias and other haemoglobinopathies

• Other hereditary haemolytic anaemias

• Acquired haemolytic anaemias

• Haematological manifestations of systemic diseases (hepatic, renal, malignant and collagen disorders)

3. Haemato-oncology:

• Acute leukaemias

• Chronic leukaemias

• Non-leukaemic myeloproliferative disorders

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma

• Multiple myeloma

3. Blood group serology:

•Principles and practices of blood transfusion including cell and serum grouping, cross matching, direct and indirect Coomb’s tests, complications and diseases associated with blood transfusion.

3. Haemostasis:

• Hereditary bleeding disorders

• Acquired bleeding disorders

• Thrombocytopaenic purpuras

• Thrombosis and Anticoagulant therapy

3. Practicals

•Examination of abnormal blood and bone marrow films

•Sickling and solubility tests and demonstration of haemoglobin electrophoresis

•Cell and serum grouping

•Direct and indirect Coomb’s test demonstration

•Cross-matching of blood

•Whole blood clotting time, Bleeding time and Hess’test

•Demonstration of PT, PTTK and TT

Students’ Assessment

Each of the postings ends with a progressive assessment examination, and the results of all the progressive assessments constitute 50% of the Part I Final MB;BS examination. The Part I Final MB;BS Professional examination in Pathology is taken at the end of the 400L (first clinical year).

Research Focus

All the academic staffs in the department are actively engaged in research in the various aspects of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, and also in collaborative research with colleagues in other departments of the College of Health Sciences of University of Ilorin, as well as other institutions within Nigeria and internationally.