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Topic Index

Overview of Blood and Blood Components

Blood Donations and Blood Banking

Blood Transfusions

Blood Disorders

Diagnosing Anemia in Children

Bleeding Disorders

Leukemia

Bone Marrow Transplant

Glossary

Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. It carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.

Picture of vials of blood, labeled

Because the functions of blood are many and complex, many disorders require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. These conditions include anemias and bleeding disorders, as well as cancers of the blood.

Hematology is the scientific study of blood and blood-forming tissues. A hematologist is a physician who specializes in the functions and disorders of the blood.

St. Louis Children's Hospital is affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine.

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