Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia or Other Cytopenias

This condition is treated in the Haematology (including oncological disorders) clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply to referral standards referral standards and include in particular:

• Relevant investigations, including previous results to assess temporal pattern.

Tests

Full blood examination. Repeat investigation in case of processing error or transient cytopaenia

• Cytopenias (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) that are present on two separate occasions, at least one week apart, without other explanation are more likely to require investigation.

For isolated mild persistent cytopaenia, consider also:

• Auto-immune screen, e.g. ANA, ENA, rheumatoid factor
• Serum protein electrophoresis
• Iron studies, B12, folate.

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Haematology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Severe cytopenias if patient is unwell (i.e. infection, symptomatic anaemia, active bleeding):

• Neutrophils under 0.5 x 10^9/L
• Haemoglobin under 80g/L
• Platelets under 20 x 10^9/L

🚩 Blood film suggestive of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP/HUS)

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 1 - W.P. Holman Clinic
Phone: 03 6777 6140
Fax: 03 6331 6371

North West

North West Regional Hospital > Mersey Community Hospital
Torquay Road Latrobe TAS 7307

Visit Northern Cancer Service

South

Royal Hobart Hospital (Level 1 - A Block)

Phone (appointments): 03 6166 6655
Phone (clinic nurses): 03 6166 6637
Fax: 03 6173 0484