Diseases

Heel stick or heel lance is a minimally invasive method to obtain blood sample. It withdraws capillary blood samples and is used especially in newborn screens and glucose levels. It can be used for routine tests too as lab techniques now require smaller sample volumes. Heel sticks can be used when venous access cannot be […]

Acquired hemophilia  is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by bleeding that occurs in patients with a personal and family history negative for hemorrhages. In acquired hemophilia, the body produces antibodies [also known as inhibitors] that attack clotting factors, most often factor VIII. The affected individuals develop complications associated with abnormal, uncontrolled bleeding into the muscles, […]

Hemophilia C  refers to the deficiency of factor XI which results in bleeding tendencies. Hemophilia C is also known as plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA) deficiency or Rosenthal syndrome. It is a mild form of hemophilia affecting both sexes. It is predominantly known to occur in Jewish people of Ashkenazi descent. It is the fourth most […]

Hemophilia B is a disorder resulting in deficiency of functional plasma coagulation factor IX. It could be inherited as X-linked, recessive condition or occur following spontaneous mutation. Acquired immunologic processes can also result in this disorder. The incidence of hemophilia B is estimated to be approximately 1 case per 25,000-30,000 male births. Hemophilia B is […]

Hemophilia A is an X-linked, recessive disorder caused by deficiency of clotting factor VIII. It may be inherited or arise from spontaneous mutation. The development of inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII can result in acquired hemophilia A or can complicate the treatment of genetic cases. Depending on the level of factor VIII activity, patients with hemophilia may […]

Hemostasis is a process that attempts to stop the bleeding and keep blood within a damaged blood vessel. Hemostasis involves three steps Vasoconstriction Temporary blockage of a break by a platelet plug Blood coagulation, or formation of a fibrin clot that seals the hole until tissue repair. Blood coagulation and platelet-mediated hemostasis are the two […]

Autologous transfusion means collection and reinfusion of the patient’s own red blood cells. This is in contrast to allogenic blood transfusion  where  blood  from  unrelated/anonymous  donors  is  transfused  to  the recipient. Need for Autologous  Blood Transfusion Transfusion is important part of modern medical practice. However,  the safety of the procedure is a great concern. Allogeneic […]