You may need a blood transfusion if you have lost blood because of an injury or during surgery. You may also need one because of diseases or conditions that affect the blood. This sheet helps you understand how a blood transfusion is done.
Blood is a fluid that flows throughout the body in blood vessels. Blood is needed for life. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues and helps remove waste. Blood also helps you fight infections and heal from injuries. This sheet tells you more about blood and its important role in your body.
Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Read on to learn about anemia symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. Their main job is to help the body fight bacterial and fungal infections. Neutropenia occurs when there are fewer neutrophils in the blood than normal. It can range from mild to severe.
Thrombocytopenia occurs when there are fewer platelets in the blood than normal. Platelets help stop or control bleeding when you have a cut or wound. If you have thrombocytopenia, you may be at higher risk for bruising and bleeding.
Bone marrow is the soft, spongy part inside bones. It makes most of the body's blood cells. Aspiration and biopsy are procedures done to take a sample of bone marrow out of the body to exam. Find out why these procedures are done and how to prepare for them.
Blood lost during surgery may need to be replaced. Donating your own blood ahead of time is sometimes best. Depositing your own blood before surgery is called autologous blood donation.
You have been diagnosed with hypercalcemia (too much calcium in your blood). Calcium is a mineral that helps develop bones and teeth, controls heart rhythm, and allows muscles to contract.
If you have hyperkalemia, you will need to make some dietary changes to reduce your intake of potassium.
Hypermagnesemia means there is too much magnesium in your blood. You will need to make certain dietary changes to manage your condition.
Hypernatremia is a condition in which you have too much sodium in the blood. It's often due to fluid loss. If not treated right away, it can be deadly.
Hyperphosphatemia means you have too much phosphorus in your blood. You will need to make some dietary changes to manage this condition.
Hypocalcemia means there is not enough calcium in your blood. If you have this condition, you will need to make some dietary changes.
Hypokalemia means you have a low level of potassium in the blood. With this condition, you will need to make some dietary changes.
Hypomagnesemia means you don't have enough magnesium in your blood. If you have this condition, you will need to make some dietary changes.
Hyponatremia means your blood level of sodium is too low. It can be dangerous. This sheet can help you take care of yourself at home.
Hypophosphatemia is when you don't have enough phosphorus in your blood.
Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. The increase in blood cells makes your blood thicker. This can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.
For a bone marrow transplant, the doctor takes healthy bone marrow from a donor and gives it to a recipient where it can begin to grow and make healthy blood cells.
