1. Take the Blood Disorders Quiz

Medical Author:

Troy S Cutler, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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A family history of bleeding disorders aids in diagnosing hemophilia. But certain tests help quantify the disease.

• Pronounced bruising at childbirth or bleeding with circumcision may suggest a case of severe hemophilia.
  
  
• A moderate case of hemophilia may become apparent during the toddler years when falls are common.
  
  
• A mild case may not become evident until adulthood when you need surgery.
  
  
• Blood tests can be performed if you have any reason to suspect hemophilia.
  
  
  • Blood may be checked directly for certain factors.
    
    
  • Test results will be low depending on which form of hemophilia you have.
    
    
  • In either case, your activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), a measurement of the clotting of blood, will be prolonged.