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, red or white blood cells or platelets affects blood function. Blood disorders can be inherited (such as haemophilia and von Willebrand disease) or caused by other problems like lack of nutrients in the diet (anaemia) and cancers (leukaemia).

Follow the links below to find more information about blood disorders.

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

Last reviewed: February 2020

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) - Leukaemia Foundation

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) Listen What is MDS? Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS, or myelodysplasia) are a group of diseases which all affect, to a greater or lesser extent, the production of normal blood cells in the bone marrow

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Aplastic anaemia - Leukaemia Foundation

Aplastic anaemia Listen What is aplastic anaemia? Aplastic anaemia is a rare disorder in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Newly diagnosed - Leukaemia Foundation

Newly diagnosed A blood cancer or blood disorder diagnosis can bring forth a range of emotions and questions

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Pregnancy with a blood cancer - Leukaemia Foundation

Pregnancy with a blood cancer Listen A new diagnosis of a blood cancer or blood disorder during pregnancy is a rare and traumatic experience

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Sickle cell anaemia - Lab Tests Online AU

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited disease of red blood cells, characterised by abnormally shaped cells with a loss of ability to deliver oxygen.

Read more on Lab Tests Online AU website

Leukaemia - Lab Tests Online AU

Leukaemia is the abnormal replication of blood cells that accumulate and compromise production of other blood cells.

Read more on Lab Tests Online AU website

Anaemia

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

Read more on WA Health website

Erythropoietin - Lab Tests Online AU

Why and when to get tested for erythropoietin levels

Read more on Lab Tests Online AU website

What is blood? - Leukaemia Foundation

What is blood? Listen Blood is a specialised body fluid made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma

Read more on Leukaemia Foundation website

Leukaemia | Cancer Council Victoria

Leukaemia is cancer of blood-forming cells and it causes large numbers of abnormal white blood cells to be made, which can spread into other organs.

Read more on Cancer Council Victoria 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

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