Blood Disorders

Overview

Blood is the essential fluid that circulates throughout your body. It contains:

• Red blood cells—cells that carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
• White blood cells—cells that help your body fight infection.
• Platelets—tiny cells that help your blood clot.
• Plasma—the liquid that carries blood cells, waste products, nutrients, hormones and other substances.

Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are constantly made in the soft tissue inside your bones, called bone marrow. 

Several medical conditions can affect your blood. Non-cancerous (benign) disorders that we treat include:

• Anemia—your body can’t produce enough red blood cells, or your red blood cells don’t work properly. There are different types of anemia, including aplastic anemia and sickle cell anemia.
• Bleeding disorders--such as Von Willebrand disease, Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia, Low platelet counts due to blood cancers 
• Inherited clotting disorders— Factor V leiden mutation, Prothrombin gene mutation, Protein C and S deficiency, Anti Thrombin III deficiency
• Acquired clotting disorders-- Antiphospholipid syndrome, Lupus anticoagulants
• Plasma disorders--Monoclonal Gammopathy of Uncertain Significance (MGUS), Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Multiple Myeloma, AL Amyloidosis

Accurate Diagnosis & Testing

There are many kinds of blood disorders with unique symptoms. You may notice you feel tired all the time or bruise easily. Talk to your doctor if you notice concerning signs. They’ll perform a physical exam and ask about your health and family history. You may need additional testing to determine the underlying cause, such as:

Blood Tests

Blood tests are the primary tool for confirming a diagnosis. They can measure your blood cell levels, blood cell size and shape, and your blood’s clotting ability.

Bone Marrow Biopsy

Sometimes, your doctor needs more information to diagnose a condition. They may order a biopsy to withdraw a sample from your bone marrow.