| Anaemia |
| Anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, resulting in an inability to deliver sufficient oxygen to the cells. It isn't a disease in itself, but a result of a malfunction somewhere in the body. A common cause is dietary deficiency, especially lack of iron. |
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| Blood count |
| A full blood count is done to gain an overview on each major components of the blood. The test includes haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, blood volume, packed cell volume, leucocyte count, and platelet count. |
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| Blood donation |
| The Australian Red Cross Blood Service collects around one million blood donations each year. Healthy adults between the ages of 16 (18 in Tasmania) and 70 years are able to donate blood. Donated blood is usually divided into separate components, so each donation can help a number of recipients. |
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| Blood groups |
| The two major classifications of blood include the ABO system and the Rhesus type system. The four blood groups are A, B, AB and O, distinguishable by certain proteins on the red blood cells. Each blood group is either Rh-positive or Rh-negative. There are around 300 other blood group factors. |
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| Blood pressure explained |
| Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. Blood pressure is not the same all the time; it changes to meet your body's needs. If blood pressure remains high it can lead to serious problems. |
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| Blood transfusion |
| A blood transfusion is the transfer of blood from one person to another. The donated blood must match the recipient's blood type, or complications will occur. Generally, both receiving and donating blood are safe medical procedures. |
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| Bone marrow donors |
| You can offer a second chance of life - anyone in good health, aged 18-50 can join the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Initially it involves a simple blood test. The test results are searched for patients who require a transplant to survive a serious blood disorder. |
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| Bone marrow |
| Blood cells are made by bone marrow, which is a soft jelly - like substance found inside bone cavities. Diseases of the bone marrow tend to upset the making of blood cells. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant is the best treatment. |
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| Cerebral haemorrhage |
| A cerebral haemorrhage is bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Causes include weakened blood vessel walls, head trauma or congenital conditions. A cerebral haemorrhage is a life threatening emergency. |
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| Circulatory system |
| The heart, blood and blood vessels make up the circulatory system, which services all the cells in the body. Wastes are taken away and exchanged with oxygen and food nutrients. |
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