Hematology Procedures

Our seasoned hematology experts provide the following procedures for the care management and treatment of people with nonmalignant bleeding and coagulation (blood clotting) disorders, congenital (inborn) and acquired anemias, and rare hematological diseases.

• Blood transfusions — Common, safe medical procedure in which donated blood or blood components — such as plasma, platelets, or red blood cells — are transferred into another person's bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line placed into a vein. Transfusions help people with blood disorders by providing a surge of healthy red blood cells with normal hemoglobin. This can make them feel stronger and better able to participate in daily activities, and also help them live into adulthood. Some people need regular transfusions every two to four weeks; others may only need occasional transfusions.
• Iron chelation therapy (Desferal infusions) — Chronic blood transfusion therapy causes too much iron to build up in the body. The spleen, liver, heart, and endocrine systems act as primary storage sites for the large amounts of exogenous (outside-sourced) iron received from frequent blood transfusions. Since the body has no way rid itself of excess iron, which can cause organ system failure over time, it must be removed. Iron chelation therapy involves daily intravenous infusions of Desferal (deferoxamine), which binds to iron in the body and is later passed out in urine and stool.
• Bone marrow and cord blood transplants — Proteins called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) on the surface of every human body cell help the immune system determine whether cells belong to foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria, or to your body’s cells and tissue. HLA-typing plays a critical role in finding a transplant donor. Proper HLA matching helps prevent transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
  • Bone marrow transplant — Most people cannot find a perfect match (HLA-identical) donor. Siblings who share both parents provide the best chance (25%) of an appropriate match. To prepare for a bone marrow transplant, the patient will undergo chemotherapy to remove all, or almost all, of the stem cells from their bone marrow. Doctors then replace these removed cells with the donor stem cells.
  • Cord blood transplant — Cord blood refers to the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. Cord blood is rich in stem cells, and cord blood transplants offer some advantages over bone marrow transplants. The biggest advantage is that recipients show greater tolerance to partially matched (HLA-partial) donated cord blood. As with bone marrow transplants, siblings who share both parents represent the best donors. Parents can arrange to collect and store their newborn’s stem cell-rich cord blood for potential future use.
• Chemotherapy-like drugs (cytoreductive agents) — Although "chemotherapy" typically refers to conventional cancer medications, less-intensive chemotherapy agents like Hydroxyurea and targeted therapies like Bevacizumab are also used to treat noncancerous blood disorders and autoimmune diseases. These treatments help manage excessive cell production, reduce the risk of blood clots, or control immune system destruction, and are often combined with transfusions, plasmapheresis, and iron or vitamin supplementation.
• Immunotherapy — Well-known for treating cancers, immunotherapy can also be used to treat benign blood disorders. Because immunotherapies can precisely identify and target specific cells, they may be especially useful for benign blood disorders because they are stable and don't easily mutate (change). Advanced immunotherapy drugs, including Rituximab and complement inhibitors, can be combined with other therapies to manage excessive blood cell production.
• Infusions — The introduction of fluids, medications, or nutrients into the body, most commonly through a vein, is often called intravenous (IV) infusion. IV infusions allow for the controlled, gradual delivery of intervention substances, such as vitamin B12, iron, or growth factors, which can be used to boost hemoglobin levels.
• Plasmapheresis — Medical procedure in which the plasma — the liquid part of blood — is separated from the blood cells. The process involves drawing blood, separating the plasma from the other blood components (red cells, white cells, platelets), and then returning the blood cells (often mixed with a replacement fluid) to the person's circulation. The procedure removes harmful substances from plasma, such as autoantibodies, abnormal proteins, and toxins.
• Splenectomy — Surgery to remove the spleen. The spleen helps filter blood and fight infections, but it may need to be removed due to illness or injury. Splenectomy often is done to treat blood disorders when the spleen is removing too many platelets or abnormal red blood cells. It can be performed using open surgery, laparoscopy, or robotic methods. When needed, splenectomy can reduce the need for blood transfusions and help improve symptoms and quality of life for people with blood conditions.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-05-20.