Clinical skills
Haematology is a speciality in which there are a few specific procedures to that of the haematologist but which are essential to be able to perform as a Haematology trainee. This page covers the technique, approach and safety points to performing core procedures in Haematology from bone marrow aspiration, trephine, intrathecal chemotherapy administration to line removal. These are all procedures commonly encountered by the Haematologist.
PDF notes
Click the buttons below to download the following sets of notes to your computer.
Bone marrow procedures
A cribsheet of the key points for performing a bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow trephine including handy tips.
intrathecal chemotherapy
A cribsheet covering the key points of performing a lumbar puncture and administering intrathecal chemotherapy.
lines in haematology
A cribsheet covering the basics of line removal in Haematology.
videos
Below are demonstration videos of patient's having important haematology practical procedures being performed with explanation and teaching of the process. Click on the play icon for the video to play.
how to perform a bone marrow aspiration and trephine
A demonstration video of how to perform the important investigation of a bone marrow biopsy in haematology by Dr Tucker.
how to perform a punch skin biopsy
As we all move to more whole genome sequencing in Haematology, being able to perform a punch skin biopsy is an important and easy method of getting tissue to look for somatic mutations.
how to administer intrathecal chemotherapy
This video shows you the whole process on how to deliver intrathecal chemotherapy through standard lumbar puncture technique. It covers the process of consent, the safety steps and checks involved and the processes involving pharmacy and other members of the MDT.
how to administer intraventricular chemotherapy
This video shows you how to deliver intraventricular chemotherapy for patients with an ommaya reservoir fitted. This is a soft plastic dome-shaped device that is placed under the scalp. It is connected to a catheter that’s placed in one of the ventricles in the brain.
It allows easy sampling of CSF and provision of repeated intrathecal chemotherapy for patients who will require repeated intrathecal chemotherapy e.g. for the treatment of ALL.
how chemotherapy is made
This video shows you behind the scenes into the process of making up chemotherapy for patients as shown by the Pharmacy Technical Services at Royal Cornwall Hospital.