Blood Disorders Dictionary

aceruloplasminemia: A genetics disorder in which there is an absence of the protein ceruloplasmin in the blood and an accumulation of iron in the pancreas, liver and brain.

allogeneic: Referring to the transfer of bone marrow, blood, skin or some other tissue from one person (the donor) to another person (the recipient).

amyloidosis: A rare condition in which certain blood cells produce an abnormal protein, which gets deposited in the tissues.

anemia: A deficiency of red blood cells.

anticoagulants: Drugs that slow the clotting of blood.

asymptomatic: Having a disease without manifestation of symptoms.

atransferrinemia: A rare disease that is characterized by an absence of transferrin, a plasma protein that transports iron through the blood.

autologous: A transfusion or transplant that uses the patient's own blood, bone marrow or other tissue.

benign: Not dangerous to one's health. Often used in reference to a tumor, benign refers to non-cancerous growths.

bone marrow: The soft tissue located in the cavities of bones. Bone marrow produces blood cells and platelets.

ceruloplasmin: A copper transport protein found in the blood.

chelation: The method of binding a substance (such as lead or arsenic) to a metal, thus helping the body to remove it.

chemotherapy: The use of drugs to treat cancer.

chromosome: Components in a cell that carry genetic information.

clotting: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a solid.

deficiency: The shortage of a substance (such as a mineral or vitamin) that is needed by the body.

desmopressin: A synthetic drug that mimics the action of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. Desmopressin reduces urine production.

DNA: The material inside the nucleus of a chromosome, the cell that carries genetic information. The extended, scientific name for DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid.