BROWSE blood disorder TESTING SUBCATEGORIES

Acidosis and alkalosis are acid–base imbalances that occur when your blood pH moves outside its healthy range. Acidosis = blood becomes too acidic (low pH). Alkalosis = blood becomes too basic/alkaline (high pH).

Bleeding disorders are conditions in which the blood doesn’t clot normally, leading to easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, heavy periods, or prolonged bleeding after injury or procedures. Causes range from platelet problems(too few platelets or platelets that don’t work well) to clotting factor deficiencies (e.g., von Willebrand disease, Hemophilia A/B, Factor VII/XI deficiency), and acquired issues (liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, medications like anticoagulants, or antibodies that block c

Blood chemistry tests—often grouped as a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)—measure electrolytes, kidney and liver markers, glucose, proteins, and other analytes that influence blood health. While a complete blood count (CBC) looks at cells (red cells, white cells, platelets), chemistry tests show the environment those cells live in and uncover conditions that can cause, complicate, or mimic blood disorders. Use blood chemistry testing to help evaluate fatigue, w

Blood coagulation (hemostasis) is the process that stops bleeding. When it’s out of balance, you may bleed too easily or form clots too quickly. Coagulation testing evaluates how well your clotting factors, fibrinogen, and fibrinolysis are working and helps clarify abnormal bruising/bleeding, suspected clotting events, or monitor anticoagulant therapy.

A blood count, commonly called a Complete Blood Count (CBC), evaluates the major blood cell lines—red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. Because many conditions affect these cells, a CBC is one of the most useful tests for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring across blood disorders and general health. It can help your clinician assess anemia, infection or inflammation, bleeding risk, recovery from illness, and medication effects.

A blood type test identifies your ABO group (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh(D) status (positive or negative). Knowing your type matters for safe transfusions, pregnancy care, surgery planning, and emergency preparedness. In clinical settings, blood typing is often paired with an antibody screen to detect unexpected red-cell antibodies that could cause transfusion reactions.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a serious, rapidly evolving problem with the body’s clotting system. Tiny clots form throughout the bloodstream (widespread micro-clotting), which consumes platelets and clotting factors. As these reserves run low, excessive bleeding can occur. DIC is usually triggered by another condition—most often sepsis, major trauma/burns/surgery, obstetric complications (e.g., placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism), or certain cancers.

Excessive clotting disorders—also called hypercoagulable states or thrombophilia— increase the risk of forming blood clots in the veins or, less commonly, arteries. Clots can develop in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE), or occur at unusual sites (e.g., brain veins, abdominal veins). Causes may be inherited (e.g., Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin gene variant, Protein C/S or Antithrombin deficiency) or acquired (e.g., antiphospholipid antibodies, canc

Hemoglobin abnormalities (hemoglobinopathies) are genetic changes that alter the structure or amount of hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Common examples include sickle hemoglobin (HbS), HbC, HbE, and the thalassemias (alpha and beta), which reduce hemoglobin production. These conditions range from silent traits with no symptoms to clinically significant anemia, jaundice, gallstones, painful crises (sickle syndromes), or growth issues (severe thalassemia). Because s

Iron Excessive (Hemochromatosis)—often called iron overload—happens when the body absorbs or retains too much iron. Extra iron is stored in organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas, where it can cause inflammation and long-term damage. Causes include hereditary hemochromatosis (HFE gene variants such as C282Y/H63D) and secondary iron overload from repeated transfusions or certain blood/ liver conditions. Because early symptoms are subtle—fatigue, joint pain, or abnormal liver tests—lab testin

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited hemoglobin disorder in which red blood cells form a rigid, “sickle” shape that can block blood flow and break down early (hemolysis). It belongs to the broader sickle cell disease (SCD) group, which includes HbSS, HbSC, and sickle β-thalassemia. Symptoms range from anemia and jaundice to pain crises (vaso-occlusive episodes) and organ complications. Because signs can overlap with other blood conditions, laboratory testingis essential to confirm disease or trait

Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that reduce how much hemoglobin your body makes. With less hemoglobin, red blood cells carry less oxygen and may be smaller than normal. Thalassemia is usually caused by changes in the beta-globin (HBB) gene (beta-thalassemia) or deletions in the alpha-globin (HBA1/HBA2) genes (alpha-thalassemia). Severity ranges from silent carriers/traits to moderate (intermedia) and severe forms. Because thalassemia can look like iron deficiency or other ane