Ulta Lab Tests

Blood Disorder Tests

Blood-disorder testing helps clarify whether symptoms like easy bruising, heavy bleeding, clots, or persistent fatigue are due to bleeding or clotting conditions, anemia/hemolysis, platelet problems, hemoglobin disorders, or plasma-cell diseases. Core labs include CBC with differential, reticulocyte count, PT/INR, aPTT, D-dimer, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor tests, factor assays, platelet function, hemolysis panel (LDH/haptoglobin/indirect bilirubin/DAT), hemoglobin electrophoresis, and SPEP/IFE with serum free light chains. Results guide next steps with your clinician.

What It Tests

“Blood disorder” is an umbrella term for conditions that affect how your blood clots, carries oxygen, and fights infection. Lab testing helps to:

  • Differentiate bleeding vs clotting tendencies (coagulation studies, platelet function).

  • Identify causes of anemia (iron or B12/folate deficiency, blood loss, hemolysis, bone-marrow issues).

  • Detect hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell, thalassemias).

  • Screen plasma-cell disorders (e.g., MGUS, multiple myeloma) and provide organ-function context (CMP).

Key Tests for Blood Disorders

Test Also Called (Synonyms) What It Measures Typical Prep (fasting?) Specimen Related Panels
CBC with differential Complete blood count Red cells, white cells, platelets; indices (MCV/MCH), clues to anemia/infection No fasting Blood Hemolysis Eval; Hemoglobinopathy; Plasma-Cell Screen
Reticulocyte count Retic Young red cells; marrow response to anemia or hemolysis No fasting Blood Hemolysis Evaluation
PT/INR Prothrombin time/INR Extrinsic pathway; warfarin effect, vitamin K status, factor VII No fasting Blood (citrate) Bleeding/Coagulation Panel
aPTT Activated partial thromboplastin time Intrinsic pathway; heparin effect; factors VIII/IX/XI; lupus anticoagulant patterns No fasting Blood (citrate) Bleeding/Coagulation Panel
D-dimer Fibrin degradation product Evidence of clot breakdown (VTE/DIC risk stratification) No fasting Blood Bleeding/Coagulation Panel
Fibrinogen Factor I Clotting protein; low in DIC/liver disease; high in inflammation No fasting Blood (citrate) Bleeding/Coagulation Panel
von Willebrand panel vWF antigen/activity (ristocetin), ± collagen binding vWF quantity/function; common inherited bleeding disorder No fasting Blood (citrate) von Willebrand Panel
Factor assays Factor VIII/IX (others as ordered) Specific factor levels (hemophilia A/B, other deficiencies) No fasting Blood (citrate) Bleeding/Coagulation Panel
LDH Lactate dehydrogenase Rises in hemolysis No fasting Blood Hemolysis Evaluation
Haptoglobin — Drops in hemolysis (consumed binding free Hgb) No fasting Blood Hemolysis Evaluation
Indirect bilirubin Unconjugated bilirubin Rises when red cells are breaking down No fasting Blood Hemolysis Evaluation
DAT (Coombs) test Direct antiglobulin test Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (antibodies on RBCs) No fasting Blood Hemolysis Evaluation
Hemoglobin electrophoresis Hgb A2/F/S quantitation Sickle cell/thalassemia patterns No fasting Blood Hemoglobinopathy Panel
Iron studies Ferritin Serum iron, TIBC, transferrin sat, ferritin Iron deficiency vs chronic disease patterns Often morning; some panels prefer fasting Blood Anemia/Workup Panels
Vitamin B12/Folate Cobalamin/folate Megaloblastic anemia causes No fasting Blood Anemia/Workup Panels
SPEP/IFE Serum protein electrophoresis & immunofixation Monoclonal proteins (M-spike) in MGUS/myeloma No fasting Blood Plasma-Cell Disorder Panel
Serum free light chains κ/λ ratio Light-chain disease; improves sensitivity with SPEP/IFE No fasting Blood Plasma-Cell Disorder Panel
β2-microglobulin — Tumor burden/prognosis marker in myeloma (context-dependent) No fasting Blood Plasma-Cell Disorder Panel
CMP Comprehensive metabolic panel Kidney/liver/electrolytes; therapy safety & organ context Often non-fasting; follow panel guidance Blood Coag/Hemolysis/Plasma-Cell Panels

When to Test

Consider blood-disorder testing if you have:

  • Bleeding/bruising signs: frequent nosebleeds, gum bleeding, easy bruising, heavy periods, prolonged bleeding after dental work or surgery.

  • Clotting concerns: past DVT/PE, unexplained clot at a young age, clots in unusual locations, or recurrent pregnancy loss (discuss antiphospholipid testing with your clinician).

  • Anemia symptoms: fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness; abnormal indices on a prior CBC.

  • Hemolysis clues: jaundice, dark urine, rapid drop in hemoglobin, ↑LDH/indirect bilirubin with ↓haptoglobin.

  • Platelet issues: low/high platelet count, petechiae, unexplained bruises, suspected ITP or essential thrombocythemia.

  • Hemoglobinopathy suspicion: family/ethnic risk, lifelong anemia, microcytosis not explained by iron deficiency.

  • Plasma-cell disorder clues: bone pain, recurrent infections, anemia with high total protein (SPEP/IFE/FLC).

  • Monitoring: anticoagulation (INR), DIC/coagulopathy trends (PT/aPTT/fibrinogen/D-dimer), response to anemia or hemolysis therapy.

How to Prepare

  • Fasting: Most tests do not require fasting; follow instructions if paired with fasting panels. Water is fine.

  • Medications/supplements: List warfarin, DOACs, heparin, antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), NSAIDs, iron or B12/folate supplements; biotin can interfere with some immunoassays.

  • Timing & handling: Coagulation studies need blue-top citrate tubes filled to the line and processed promptly. For INR monitoring, test at consistent times. Coordinate heparin/DOAC timing with your clinician (these can alter aPTT/anti-Xa).

  • Recent illness or procedures: Acute infection, surgery, or trauma can temporarily change inflammation and clotting markers—share context.

Interpreting Results

Coagulation (bleeding/clotting)

  • PT/INR vs aPTT

    • Prolonged PT/INR → warfarin effect, vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, or factor VII deficiency.

    • Prolonged aPTT → heparin effect, factors VIII/IX/XI deficiency, or lupus anticoagulant (mixing studies are clinician-directed).

    • Both prolonged → common-pathway issues, severe liver disease, or DIC (check fibrinogen/D-dimer).

  • D-dimer: elevated in many conditions; used with clinical tools to help rule out VTE in low-risk settings.

  • vWF & factor assays: low vWF or activity suggests von Willebrand disease; low factor VIII/IX suggests hemophilia.

Platelets

  • Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) can arise from immune causes (ITP), marrow problems, medications, or consumption (DIC).

  • Thrombocytosis (high platelets) can be reactive (inflammation/iron deficiency) or myeloproliferative—clinical context matters.

  • Platelet function testing evaluates acquired/inherited qualitative defects.

Anemia & hemolysis

  • Reticulocytes: high → marrow is responding (hemolysis/blood loss); low → poor production (iron/B12/folate deficiency, marrow failure).

  • Hemolysis panel: ↑LDH ↓haptoglobin ↑indirect bilirubin supports hemolysis; positive DAT suggests autoimmune hemolysis.

  • Iron/B12/folate: define deficiency vs chronic disease patterns (e.g., low ferritin = iron deficiency).

Hemoglobinopathies

  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis: identifies HbS (sickle), ↑HbA2/↑HbF patterns in thalassemias.

Plasma-cell disorders

  • SPEP/IFE and free light chains (κ/λ ratio) screening for monoclonal proteins; β2-microglobulin can reflect tumor burden (context-specific).

Talk to your clinician about: your symptom timeline, family history, medication timing, need for imaging, and whether hematology referral is appropriate.

Related Conditions

  • Bleeding disorders: von Willebrand disease, hemophilia A/B, platelet function disorders

  • Clotting disorders: VTE (DVT/PE), antiphospholipid syndrome (if offered)

  • Anemias: iron deficiency, megaloblastic (B12/folate), hemolytic, aplastic

  • Hemoglobinopathies: sickle cell disease/trait, thalassemias

  • Platelet count disorders: ITP, essential thrombocythemia

  • Plasma-cell disorders: MGUS, multiple myeloma

  • Bone-marrow failure or myeloproliferative neoplasms (some require specialized testing)

FAQs

PT/INR vs aPTT—what’s the difference?
PT/INR reflects the extrinsic pathway and warfarin effect; aPTT reflects the intrinsic pathway and heparin effect. Both prolonged can suggest common-pathway or severe liver/DIC issues.

Do I need to fast for blood disorder tests?
Usually no. Follow instructions if your panel includes fasting labs.

What does a high D-dimer mean?
It indicates clot breakdown but is non-specific. Clinicians use it with risk tools to help rule out VTE in low-risk cases.

What is von Willebrand disease and how is it tested?
It’s the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Testing measures vWF antigen and activity, sometimes with Factor VIII.

What’s a reticulocyte count, and why does it matter?
It shows if the bone marrow is making new red cells. High = response to anemia/hemolysis; low = underproduction.

How do you test for sickle cell or thalassemia?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis identifies abnormal hemoglobin patterns (e.g., HbS, ↑HbA2/↑HbF).

What is the Coombs (DAT) test used for?
It detects antibodies bound to red cells, supporting autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Can medications change my results?
Yes. Warfarin, heparin/DOACs, antiplatelets, NSAIDs, and supplements can affect results. Share exact meds and timing.

When should I repeat these tests?
Depends on your diagnosis and therapy. Many panels are repeated to monitor treatment response or safety (e.g., INR checks on warfarin).

References

  • American Society of Hematology (ASH) — Patient & Professional Resources

  • NIH / NHLBI — Blood Disorders & Anemia Resources

  • CDC — Hemoglobinopathies & Sickle Cell Information

  • Mayo Clinic — Coagulation Studies, von Willebrand, Hemolysis, Electrophoresis

  • Peer-reviewed literature (PubMed) on coagulation pathways, hemolysis, and plasma-cell disorders

Last reviewed: September 2025 by the Ulta Lab Tests Medical Review Team.

Purchase your blood disorders lab tests from Ulta Lab Tests and utilize the information to make informed health decisions moving forward. To learn more about the lab tests that can be used to diagnose and monitor your disease, please visit the link provided below.

Visit the link below to learn more about blood disorder lab tests that can be used to diagnose and keep track of your disease.

 
SEE BELOW THE LIST OF TESTS FOR MORE INFORMATION  Blood Disorders and lab tests.

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About Blood Disorders & Lab Testing

Lab Tests for Blood Disorders - What You Need to Know

There are several types of blood disorders. The most common ones are anemias, bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, and blood cancers. Like with most diseases, early detection is crucial for future care and treatment. Read on to learn more about these disorders and what you can do to address your symptoms.

What is a Blood Disorder?

A blood disorder is a condition that hinders the blood’s ability to function correctly. Blood disorders affect any of these parts of the blood.

  • Red blood cells: These carry oxygen around the body and transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
  • White blood cells: Made in the bone marrow, these components help the body fight infections and diseases.
  • Platelets or thrombocytes: These colorless blood cells help with the formation of blood clots.

Blood Disorder Types

Below are the most common blood disorder types.

  • Red blood cell disorders: iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia, and aplastic anemia
  • White blood cell disorders: leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndrome
  • Platelet disorders: hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, Bernard Soulier syndrome

These illnesses reduce the number of platelets, proteins, and cells in the blood, interfering with the components’ tasks. In most cases, mutations cause parents to pass their disorders down to their children. However, medical conditions and lifestyles can also develop these ailments. 

Blood Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on blood disorder types, but below are some of the most common symptoms.

  • A decreased amount of hemoglobin may cause anemia symptoms, including extreme fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
  • Decreased white blood cells may cause chronic fever and infections.
  • Individuals with a low platelet level may experience unusual bleeding or bruising.

Blood Disorder Treatments

Like with blood disorder symptoms, treatments depend on the blood disorder type. The goal of treatment is to stimulate blood cell production, suppress the immune system, and destroy abnormal cells. Let’s look at some of the blood disorder treatments.

  • Medication: Some options include Nplate, antibiotics, and supplements.
  • Surgery: For severe blood disorders, health care specialists may need to perform a blood transfusion or a bone marrow transplant.

If you want to play a more active role in understanding and treating your blood disorder, it’s time to learn how Ulta Lab Tests works.

Lab Tests for Blood Disorder

At Ulta Lab Tests, we offer physician-approved laboratory testing services to help you determine the cause of your illness. Our lab tests provide accurate, reliable results to help you monitor your health and wellness.

When you order your tests from us, you can easily get your specimen collected at one of our 2,100 approved patient service centers near you. We will send you your test results online with maximum confidentiality. Then, you can review it or share it with your physician and healthcare provider. Take control of your health and order your blood tests today with Ulta Lab Tests.

Read on to learn more about the inclusions of our red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet tests that are available to order directly.

Red Blood Cell Tests

  • Hematocrit (HCT) #509: a typical method for determining the number of red blood cells in an individual
  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) #510: another usual method used in determining anemia
  • Hemoglobin, Free, Urine #16765: measures the amounts of blood in the urine
  • Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation #35489: a reliable tool in identifying hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias essential for blood disorder evaluation
  • RBC Fragility, Incubated #17364: assesses erythrocyte membrane disorders
  • Red Blood Cell Count #783: a comprehensive blood count for testing various diseases
  • Reticulocyte Count #793: used to evaluate the body’s erythropoietic activities
  • Sickle Cell Screen #825: a screening test that is ideal in determining the presence of sickling hemoglobins
  • Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Comprehensive #17365: a varied blood test for measuring the iron amount, blood volume, and free hemoglobin
  • Unstable Hemoglobin #29385: indicates the presence of hemolytic anemia

White Blood Cell Tests

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Blood Test #6399: used to determine several diseases like anemia and leukemia
  • T and B Cells, Total #39588: identifies T-cell and B-cell deficiencies that may lead to chronic medical conditions
  • White Blood Cell Count (WBC) #937: commonly used to monitor infection response for diseases like leukemia and leukocyte disorders
  • White Blood Cell Count (WBC) and Differential # 7064: Determines the presence of inflammation that might lead to leukemia

Platelet Tests

  • Antithrombin III Activity #216: measures the liver proteins that help prevent inappropriate blood clots
  • Partial Thromboplastin Time, Activated (aPTT) #763: a screening test for plasma coagulation deficiencies except for Factor VII and Factor XIII
  • Platelet Antibodies, Indirect (IgG, IgM) #91744: determines platelet-associated antibody levels associated with risks of thrombocytopenia
  • Platelet Count, EDTA #723: essential in achieving homeostasis
  • Prothrombin Time (PT) with INR #8847: a crucial test for abnormalities involved in the extrinsic pathway
  • Thrombin-Antithrombin (Tat) Complex #10162: a test to determine parameters associated with vascular complications of diabetes

If you have a particular condition in mind, check our comprehensive list of clinical lab tests now. With thousands of them in our system, you’re likely to find one to match your needs.

The Ulta Lab Tests Advantage

Now you can conveniently purchase blood disorder lab tests directly online with a partner that values your safety, security, and privacy. At Ulta Lab Tests, we elevate our clients’ experience by simplifying otherwise complex processes. Check out some of the factors that make us stand out from other companies offering similar services.

Secure and Confidential Results

At Ulta Lab Tests, consumers can directly purchase lab tests through an online account. You can create an account to limit access to your activities, such as previous orders and preferred Patient Service Center. Your lab results become available on your dashboard as they are released by the lab, which you can opt to share with your doctors. No one else will know the details of your condition unless you share it with them.

No Insurance or Referral Needed

One of the best things about our organization is that we serve any individual who needs access to lab tests, whether that person has a medical health plan or not. Anyone with an Ulta Lab Tests account can quickly purchase our affordable lab and blood tests. We have 2,100 patient service centers nationwide to collect your specimens.

Affordable Pricing Including Doctor’s Order

Our team has worked hard to offer significant pricing discounts to our clients from the same Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) labs most health care professionals use. We offer up to 90% discount, drastically reducing costs for patients with high deductibles or those without insurance.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

If you choose us to provide you with the blood disorder tests that you need, we can guarantee one thing: your utmost satisfaction. We offer the safest, most secure, and most private services in the country, elevating the experience of maintaining your health. If you’re still not convinced that we are the best health management partner in the country today, check out the benefits of choosing Ulta Lab Tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve witnessed how overwhelming dealing with blood disorders can be, especially for new patients. Read on for some of the questions our clients often ask us about their conditions.

Can a Blood Disorder be Cured?

In most cases, medications or surgeries can treat blood disorders like anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, and deep vein thrombosis. Like with other diseases, early detection and treatment can do wonders for your health.

Are All Blood Disorders Cancer?

No, not all blood disorders are cancer. People often have misconceptions about these conditions, but recent medical advances have made blood disorder treatments possible. Today, the survival rate for some blood cancers once considered fatal is 80%.

How Do Specialists Test for Blood Clotting Disorders?

Healthcare professionals often use a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) to test for blood clotting disorders. It’s an effective way to time how long it takes for blood to clot. We have this test at Ulta Lab Tests.

Please check out our Quick Answers page for more frequently asked questions about our tests and processes. 

Manage Your Health Anytime, Anywhere

With Ulta Lab Tests on your side, you can play a more active role in understanding and managing your condition, whatever it may be. We have over one thousand clinical lab tests, including ones for blood disorders. We empower all clients — with or without a medical plan — with a safe, secure, and private testing process.

We can’t wait to help you take back control of your health!