Suffixes Used in Names of Blood Disorders

Suffix

Definition

Example

“philia”

Increase in blood levels of that type of cell

Neutrophilia

“osis”

An abnormal increase in blood levels of that type of cell; can also refer to a disease process

Lymphocytosis

“penia”

Decrease in blood levels of that type of cell

Neutropenia

“lysis”

Destruction of that type of cell

Hemolysis

“emia”

Denotes the presence of a substance in the blood

Polycythemia

“stasis”

To stop or stabilize

Hemostasis