How to Request an Autologous Blood Transfusion

If you or a loved one are going to have planned surgery, read this information. Millions of Americans are not aware that there are several alternative methods of receiving a blood transfusion for elective surgery. Autologous blood transfusions are the best alternative. The word "autologous" simply means that the recipient and the donor are the same person. Follow the steps below to ensure that your physician provides you with an autologous blood transfusion.

Instructions

Do Your Research

• 1

  Go to the Noblood website (see Resources below). Scroll down to the "Resources" heading and select the "Transfusion Alternative" link. Read different links by clicking directly on them.

• 2

  Ask your physician if he or she is aware of autologous blood transfusions. The physician should provide you with a brochure of all three autologous blood transfusion methods.

• 3

  Get a second opinion if the physician insists that your type of surgery has very low risks and refuses to order an autologous blood transfusion.

• 4

  Call your insurance company and check if they have any information on autologous blood transfusions. Most insurance agencies cover the costs and can give you provider information.

• 5

  Decide which type of autologous blood transfusion is best for you or opt to have all three. The decision is completely up to you.

• 6

  Sign all required forms as prescribed by hospital and doctor´s office.

• 7

  Follow medical staff instructions on how to proceed with your autologous blood transfusion.

Donate Your Own Blood Before Surgery

• 8

  Visit your local blood bank or hospital to donate blood for storage prior to surgery.

• 9

  Meet all requirements to be a blood donor. Read and sign blood donation forms.

• 10

  Donate your own blood for storage at a local blood bank or hospital 3 to 5 weeks prior to elective surgery.

• 11

  Follow medical staff advice for further donations.

Request Intraoperative and Postoperative Blood Salvage

• 12

  Return to the Noblood website. Scroll down to the "Resources" heading and select the "Transfusion Alternative" link. Now choose the "Transfusions not needed in bloodless surgeries" title and click on it.

• 13

  Read the article carefully. Pay close attention to the illustration and click on the image as instructed.

• 14

  Listen to audios about the bloodless surgery procedure by selecting a title and clicking on it.

• 15

  Press the "Back" button on your browser and return to the Transfusion Alternative page. Scroll down and click on the "Blood salvage in total hip and knee arthroplasty in a community hospital: a retrospec" link.

• 16

  Review the information to understand why it is recommended that Postoperative Blood Salvaging be performed on all total knee and hip replacement surgeries.

• 17

  Feel at ease about having elective surgery. You have done your research and understand your rights regarding the autologous blood transfusion alternatives available.

• 18

  Request that your surgeon use both bloodless surgery procedures.