This glossary currently contains medical and blood-related
terms and is regularly updated.
Click on a letter below to list terms alphabetically, or use the search facility to scan the glossary database.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Albumin
Albumin is the main (most copious) protein found in blood and the major protein for maintenance of oncotic pressure.
Allogeneic Bone Marrow
Donated bone marrow by siblings.
Amino Acid
Building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids. Each protein consists of a specific sequence of amino acids.
Antibody
Specialised proteins produced by the immune system in response to a foreign substance or body. Antibodies may facilitate destruction of the foreign substance or render it harmless.
Anticoagulants
Agents that prevent the blood from clotting.
Anti-D
Anti-D is an immunoglobulin that is administered in RhD-negative women during pregnancy and at delivery to prevent haemolytic disease of the foetus and new born (HDN).
Antigen
Foreign substance stimulating an immune response by being recognised as 'non-self.'
Anti-Haemophilic Factor (AHF)
A term sometimes used to describe a coagulation factor, a substance important in blood clotting, especially for haemophilia A.
Antihistamine
Substance that opposes the action of histamine, an important mediator of allergic reactions and inflammation.
Antithrombin
An inhibitor of thrombin and activated Factor X.
Apheresed Plasma
Plasma that has been collected by plasmapheresis, i.e. the red cells are returned to the donor.
Arteriole
Small artery.
Artery
Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
Arthropathy
Disease in a joint.
Autologous Bone Marrow
Patient's own bone marrow.
Autosome
One of a pair of similar chromosomes.
Avulsion Injury
When a muscle, tendon or ligament is torn away from its attachment on the bone.
