Hema­tol­ogy & Infu­sion Center

At Onslow Memorial Hospital, we offer expert hematology and infusion services to support the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of blood-related conditions. Whether you're seeking infusion therapy for cancer treatment or blood disorder management, our team provides comprehensive care in a compassionate, patient-centered environment.

What is Hematology and Infusion Therapy?

Hematology is the medical specialty focused on blood health and disease. This includes the study and treatment of conditions affecting red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bone marrow, and related organs such as the spleen and lymph nodes. Hematology care plays a crucial role in identifying and managing serious conditions that can impact overall health and well-being.

Infusion therapy involves delivering medications directly into the bloodstream via a needle or catheter, enabling faster and more effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including neurological disorders, cancer, and blood-related diseases. Our infusion center is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly qualified professionals to ensure the highest standard of care.

The Importance of Hematology Care

Blood disorders can have significant effects on your overall health. Early detection and effective treatment are key to improving outcomes and preventing complications. The team at Onslow Memorial Hospital works closely with providers and patients to treat and monitor blood disorders, ensuring individualized care that enhances overall health and quality of life.

Common Blood Disorders

• Anemia: anemia is a condition where there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. This can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, dietary changes, or iron and vitamin supplements.
• Bleeding Disorders: conditions, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease impair the blood’s ability to clot, leading to prolonged bleeding after injuries, surgeries, or spontaneous bleeding. Treatment may involve clotting factor replacement therapy and specialized care.
• Blood Clots: blood clots, or thrombosis, occur when blood thickens and clumps together, potentially leading to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
• Blood Cancers: blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, affect the production and function of blood cells. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and targeted therapies. While we focus on supportive care, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments, we do not provide specialized treatment for blood cancers at our infusion center.

Diagnostic Testing in Hematology

Hematologists use a variety of tests to diagnose and monitor blood disorders, including:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels.
• Coagulation Tests: Evaluate clotting ability and diagnose bleeding disorders.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: Assesses blood cell production and detects cancers or abnormalities.
• Genetic Testing: Identifies inherited blood conditions and guides treatment decisions.

Treatment and Management of Blood Disorders

Hematology treatments vary by specific condition. Common approaches include:

• Medications: Such as iron supplements, anticoagulants, or chemotherapy.
• Blood Transfusions: Used for severe anemia or bleeding disorders.
• Bone Marrow Transplants: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.
• Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Advances in medicine have led to specialized treatments designed to attack abnormal blood cells while preserving healthy ones.

For Providers

Onslow Memorial Hospital accepts outpatient orders from physicians who are not currently credentialed at our facility. Our infusion center operates as a hospital outpatient department (HOPD). According to CMS Guidance on CoP 482.54, practitioners without medical privileges are specifically authorized to order hospital outpatient services, which include laboratory and radiology studies.

When submitting your order, please review the order form carefully and provide a diagnosis code. Currently, we do not have a hematologist on staff to complete consults; therefore, we are unable to accept orders for consults at this time. If you have questions about the order form, please call 577-2932.