Blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is a safe procedure. Find out about the different types, why you might need a blood transfusion and what happens when you receive it.

Read more

Blood types

Your blood type, or blood group, is decided by the genes you inherit from your parents. Find out why being given the wrong type of blood can be very dangerous.

Read more

Thalassaemia

This inherited blood disorder prevents someone from making enough healthy haemoglobin to carry oxygen around the body, but it may not need treatment.

Read more

Red blood cells

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body and transport carbon dioxide to the lungs. Learn about related health problems and how a healthy diet can help produce red blood cells.

Read more

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia (also spelt thrombocytopaenia) is low platelets, which can result in bleeding problems. Learn more about its causes and symptoms.

Read more

Aortic valve replacement

The aortic valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the correct direction. Learn how to prepare for an aortic valve replacement and what to expect.

Read more

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can lead to liver damage over time. If it turns out you have hepatitis B, it is important to protect others from infection. Find out how.

Read more

G6PD deficiency

G6PD deficiency, sometimes called 'favism', is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to break down when exposed to triggers. People with G6PD deficiency can live a healthy life.

Read more

Chest injuries

Chest injury is any injury to the chest area, between the neck and the abdomen. Learn about the signs of injury and treatments.

Read more

Elective splenectomy

An elective splenectomy is usually recommended for certain problems with your blood and to remove the life-threatening risk of your spleen rupturing.

Read more

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare, life-threatening illness where your kidneys stop working properly, most common in children under 5 years.

Read more

Anaemia

Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs around the body. It's important treat the cause of the anaemia.

Read more

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause serious liver disease in an infected person. The hepatitis C virus is usually transmitted when blood from an infected person enters the bloodstream of another person.

Read more

The role of a haematologist

A haematologist is a specialist doctor who treats conditions that affect the blood, such as leukaemia or haemophilia, or the organs that make blood.

Read more

Sickle cell anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is the most common and serious form of sickle cell disease. Read more about sickle cell anaemia and how it is treated.

Read more

Malaria

Malaria is a disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which causes an infection of the red blood cells.

Read more

Ebola virus

Ebola virus disease is a rare but often fatal illness. Find out more about Ebola transmission (spread), symptoms and treatment options.

Read more

Placenta praevia

Placenta praevia is a condition where the placenta is lying low and may cover the cervix. In some cases, a caesarean is necessary.

Read more

Drugs in sport

Using drugs to give your performance an edge can also affect your health. Learn more about what damage drugs can do to your health.

Read more

Posterior repair

A posterior repair is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your bowel should be better supported and you should no longer have a bulge in your vagina.

Read more

Blood and blood vessels

Blood flowing through the blood vessels carries oxygen, nutrients and waste around the body. Find out the components of blood.

Read more

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare brain disorder that causes dementia. Find out more about CJD, mad cow disease and variant CJD here.

Read more

Syphilis

Syphilis is relatively rare in Australia. It can cause serious health problems if left untreated. However, syphilis is easy to cure if found early.

Read more

Blood donation

Australia relies on the generosity of donors who volunteer their time and blood. Learn more about the blood donation process and how to donate.

Read more

HIV infection and AIDS

People with HIV are unlikely to transmit the virus or develop AIDS if they get effective treatment. Learn about HIV prevention, testing and treatment.

Read more