Hi can anyone shed some light on what you really need to know before you start a hemepath rotation- classification, cell morphology and what else- and any good sources to refer to?? I will be starting one soon and it is a mixed- in a single day we could go from looking at everything including- LN, BM or flow etc.
I started my hemepath rotation at the beginning of my second year with the level of hemepath knowledge close to Robbins. I've learned so much during it. I was lucky to have an excellent mentor who would spend three hours at the scope with me every day signing out cases, which I would have previewed by then. Obviously, the particularities of the learning process will depend on the setup of your rotation. Here's my piece of advise based on my experience.
Classifications - it's better if you have a general idea.
IHC/flow markers - again, have a general idea. Immature cells versus mature, myeloid versus lymphoid, B versus T, differential markers for small cell lymphomas - and you should have a good solid basis.
Cell morphology - in my opinion, this is something you can only learn at the scope. Before the rotation all the myeloid precursors used to look the same, if only a slightly different shade of purple to me. Seeing them under the scope and having someone to explain to you the subtle features was what put everything in place
Best resource to start with - the WHO 2008 book (for white blood at least). This was the first book I bought with my book fund money and I love it. The Eric Hsi book is good too, and it also has red blood and platelets in it. I would stick with one source for white blood though, otherwise it gets too confusing.
GL with your rotation