IMA Blood Bank

ANEMIA

A common Blood disorder that is caused by an acquired or inherited abnormality of Red Blood Cells to provide adequate oxygen supplies to body tissues. Anemia may, in some cases, be a manifestation of an non-hematologic disorder. The condition may be due to decreased number of Red Blood Cells, decreased amount of substance in Red Blood Cells which transports oxygen hemoglobin, or decreased volume of Red Blood Cells. There are several diseases popularly known as Anemia.

HIV/AIDS

A Blood-borne disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by a reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells, to 20% or less of normal, rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions, such as pneumonia. There are others that become life-threatening (such as Kaposi's sarcoma) and that are caused by infection with HIV.

HEMOPHILIA - (also Haemophilia)

A genetic Blood disorder that causes the Blood unable to form a firm clot normally and quickly. Frequent bleedings into the joints following minor trauma causes severe pain, swelling and disability.

HEMOCHROMATOSIS

A most often hereditary Blood disorder that causes body tissue to absorb and store too much iron. Hemochromatosis is not "caught." The disease (which is actually many diseases) has also been known to develop in spite of dietary iron intake in normal quantity

LEUKEMIA

Often referred to as cancer of the Blood, a malignant condition affecting the immature Blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. Usual signs are bleeding, anemia and infections

THALASSEMIA

A group of fatal genetic Blood disorders. The WHO recognizes Thalassemia as the most prevalent inherited genetic Blood disorder in the world. It is more prevalent in north India.

LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS

Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease caused by nematode worms of the genera Wucheriaand Brugia. Larval worms circulate in the Blood stream of infected persons, and adult worms live in the lymphatic vessels.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

The most common risk factor for heart and kidney diseases and stroke. High Blood Pressure, or Hypertension, is defined in an adult as a systolic pressure (top number) of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure (bottom number) of 90 mm Hg or higher. Blood pressure is measured and noted in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

SICKLE CELL DISEASE

A hereditary Blood disease resulting from a single amino acid mutation of the Red Blood Cells. A Blood condition of anemia. People with sickle cell disease have Red Blood Cells that contain mostly hemoglobin S, an abnormal type of hemoglobin.