Division of Hematology

The Division of Hematology provides comprehensive outpatient services for patients with a broad spectrum of non-malignant hematologic disorders within an academic medical center. We serve as a regional referral center for patients with complex and rare hematologic conditions, providing highly specialized care that integrates clinical expertise, advanced laboratory capabilities, multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and research.

The Division's inpatient service provides consultation and ongoing management of complex hematologic disorders across the medical center, including patients with bleeding and thrombotic complications, cytopenias, hemoglobinopathies, and complex coagulation abnormalities. The Division works closely with hospital-based teams to provide timely recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, anticoagulation, transfusion, and perioperative hemostatic management.

Conditions we treat:

• White blood cell disorders
• Quantitative platelet disorders including ITP
• Red blood cell disorders including Anemia
• Hemoglobinopathies including sickle cell disease and thalassemia
• Iron metabolism disorders
• Myeloproliferative disorders
• Plasma cell disorders
• Bleeding disorders
  • Hemophilia A and B
  • Von Willebrand Disease
  • Qualitative platelet disorders
  • Rare Bleeding disorders
• Blood clotting disorders
  • Blood clots including venous thromboembolism
  • Inherited thrombophilia
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Current Programs

• New Jersey Regional Hemophilia Program
• Pediatric Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program
• Thrombosis Center
• Women with Bleeding Disorders Program

Special Hemostasis Laboratory

The division’s clinical services are supported by an onsite specialized coagulation laboratory, which provides advanced hemostasis testing and facilitates the diagnosis and management of complex bleeding and thrombotic disorders. The close integration of specialized laboratory expertise with clinical care allows for rapid interpretation of challenging coagulation studies and coordinated management of patients with uncommon or diagnostically complex conditions.

The Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School NJ Regional Treatment Center (HTC) is part of a national network of treatment centers that provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to patients with bleeding and clotting disorders.   The Rutgers HTC serves patients throughout the entire state of New Jersey as well as the tri-state area and sees approximately one thousand patients each year.  Due to the fact that many bleeding disorders are inherited life-long conditions, patients are often seen throughout their lifetime.

At the Rutgers HTC, a multidisciplinary team including adult and pediatric hematologists and nurses, physical therapist, social worker and patient navigator provide complex care to patients, including:

• Individualized care plans
• Referrals to specialists as needed
• Genetic counseling and testing, including family screening
• Highly specialized hemostasis laboratory testing
• Management of pregnancy, labor, delivery and post-partum care
• Coordination of medical procedures and surgeries as well as hospital stays
• Treatment with intravenous and subcutaneous medication for prevention of bleeding and clotting
• Training in self-administration of medication
• Psychosocial support & mental health screening
• Educational programs for people with bleeding disorders
• Dedicated patient navigator to assist with access to care and insurance issues

While the HTC is known as a center for comprehensive care for persons with hemophilia, a wide range of other bleeding disorders are also treated here such as von Willebrand disease, platelet defects, thrombotic disorders & other rare factor deficiencies. 

Advances in gene therapy are changing the treatment landscape for people living with inherited blood disorders. Our Division of Hematology offers expertise in the evaluation and management of patients who may be candidates for these innovative therapies.

Gene therapy is now available for certain inherited red blood cell (RBC) disorders, including sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, as well as selected other inherited blood disorders such as hemophilia B. These treatments are designed to address the underlying genetic cause of disease and, for some patients, may offer the potential for a significant reduction in disease complications and the need for ongoing supportive treatments.

Determining whether gene therapy is appropriate is a highly individualized process. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient’s diagnosis, medical history, disease severity, treatment history, and overall health to determine whether an approved gene therapy may be an option. We also provide counseling regarding the potential benefits, risks, treatment process, and long-term follow-up involved.

Our goal is to provide patients and families with access to the most advanced treatment options while ensuring that they receive comprehensive, coordinated care throughout the evaluation and treatment process.

If you or a family member has an inherited blood disorder, our team can help determine whether gene therapy or other advanced treatment options may be appropriate.