A 28 year old woman was visited by her GP. She had been complaining of general malaise for some days, and now appeared flushed and was sweating. She had developed several bruises over her body without, apparently, any significant cause. She was very agitated.
On examination, her GP found that she had an oral temperature of 39.4oC, and a heartbeat of 115 beats a minute. Although flushed, her nails were pale, and she had widespread bruising. Examination of her oral cavity revealed ulceration, a gum infection and some gum bleeding. The GP arranged for her to be taken urgently for admission to hospital under the care of the consultant haematologist. In hospital, the patient had samples of blood taken for full blood count (FBC), clotting screen and for blood grouping.