Dictionary

anemia: A low red blood cell count.

bleeding disorder: A general term for a number of medical terms that result in poor blood clotting and can also result in continuous bleeding, as well.

blood clotting: The interaction of blood coagulation that results in a fibrin, insoluble clot.

carrier: Since many forms of clotting disorders are inherited, a carrier is a person who carries the gene for the clotting disorder, but does not necessarily exhibit the effects of the disorder.

CBC: Also known as Complete Blood Count; a standard blood test that is done to screen for various blood disorders.

clotting factors: Proteins produced by the body that aid in the formation of blood clots.

coagulation cascade: The process that is set in motion when a blood vessel is injured. It begins with a flow of blood and ends with the formation of a blood clot that protects the injured site.

coagulopathy: A medical term for blood clotting disorders.

disseminated intravascular coagulation: A condition in which the body's clotting system does not function properly. This is often associated with various forms of cancer, child bearing or some type of infection.