Articles

Disease

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Blood is comprised of red blood cells, platelets, and various white blood cells.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood...

Disease

Immune hemolytic anemia

Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to the body’s tissues. Red blood cells...

Test

Immunoelectrophoresis - urine

The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

Urine immunoelectrophoresis is a laboratory test that measures immunoglobulins in a urine sample. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as antibodies,...

Special Topic

Intrinsic factor

Intrinsic factor is a protein that helps your intestines absorb vitamin B12. It is made by cells in the stomach lining.

Disease

Iron deficiency anemia

Hemoglobin is the most important component of red blood cells. It is composed of a protein called heme, which binds oxygen. In the lungs, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. Abnormalities of an individual's hemoglobin value can indicate defects in the normal balance between red blood cell production and destruction. Both low and high values can indicate disease states.

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of...