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.

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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.

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Thalassaemia

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

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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.

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Blood donation

Australia relies on the generosity of donors who volunteer their time and blood. Learn from a trusted source about the blood donation process.

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What is a haematologist?

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

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HTLV-1 infection

Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a virus that infects T-cells, white blood cells that form part of the immune system. Learn more here.

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Thrombocytopenia

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

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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.

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Sickle cell anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is the most common and serious form of sickle cell disease, in which the body produces too many unstable red blood cells.

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Iron studies blood test

Iron studies are blood tests that look at how much iron is in your blood and other cells. Too little or too much iron can cause problems.

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Ebola virus

Ebola is a rare and often fatal illness. Learn about the Ebola virus, who’s at risk, symptoms and treatment options.

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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.

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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.

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Iron deficiency

Iron is an essential mineral for our bodies and when iron levels are too low it can cause anaemia. Read about how low levels of iron can lead to health problems.

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Drugs in sport

Using drugs to give you an edge in sports performance can also affect your health. Find out about what damage drugs can do to your health by reading our page.

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Blood and blood vessels

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Malaria

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

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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.

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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.

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