Blood and Blood Disorders

Abstract

Blood is the main vehicle for HIV transmission. Other frequent modes of HIV transmission occur from unprotected sexual intercourse, direct needle injection with or infusion of contaminated blood or blood products, or when using unsterilized equipment previously used by a known HIV infected person. An infected mother may transmit the virus to her unborn child or through breastfeeding. Blood disorders are often diagnosed on a routine test called a complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is obtained by healthcare providers (HCPs) to screen for a variety of diseases and health conditions or to investigate client concerns such as fatigue. The presence of blood disorders has been well documented since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. If untreated, blood disorders can negatively affect ones' quality of life and lead to unwanted complications such as hospitalization, prolonged illness or death. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)