Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

Blood disorders

1-minute read

Blood is made up of liquids (called plasma) and solids consisting of red and white blood cells and platelets.

Disruption of the plasma, cells or platelets affects blood function. Blood disorders can be inherited, or caused by other problems like lack of nutrients in the diet (anaemia) and cancers (leukaemia). Follow the links below to find trusted information about blood disorders.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: February 2014

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Diamond Blackfan Anaemia | Leukaemia Foundation

Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) is a rare blood disorder that occurs when the bone marrow fails to make enough red blood cells.

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic Anaemia is a rare disorder in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. Not cancer, it can be very serious. Visit us to find out more.

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Anaemia

Anaemia describes a condition where there is a low red blood cell count or low haemoglobin level.

Aplastic anaemia diagnosis | Leukaemia Foundation

Aplastic anaemia is diagnosed by examining samples of your blood and bone marrow.

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Erythropoietin - Lab Tests Online AU

Why and when to get tested for erythropoietin levels

Read more on Lab Tests Online AU website

The bone marrow and blood formation | Leukaemia Foundation

Information about the bone marrow, blood formation, and the roles of red blood cells and white blood cells.

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Side-effects of aplastic anaemia treatment | Leukaemia Foundation

All treatments can cause side effects, but the type and severity will vary between individuals, depending on the type of treatment used and how an individual responds to it.

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Aplastic anaemia treatment | Leukaemia Foundation

Information about how aplastic anaemia is treated.

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia | Leukaemia Foundation

CMML is a form of leukaemia that is characterised by high numbers of white blood cells, called 'monocytes', in the blood and bone marrow.

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Anaemia in pregnancy

During pregnancy, some women become anaemic, which means they have too few red blood cells in their body.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Find a health service

GP (General practice) Pharmacy Emergency Departments Hospitals

Need more services?

Enter a location

{{prefLabel}}

Use current location

Check your symptoms Find a health service

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Blood disorders