Alternatives to a Blood Transfusion

Hearing the news from your doctor announcing you must have a a blood transfusion can be frightening. Fortunately, there are alternatives available which you can go over with your physician. This is especially good news if you have personal and/or religious beliefs which do not permit blood transfusions.

Regarding blood transfusions, Chief of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Aryeh Shander, MD, says, "Avoidance is usually fairly safe and well tolerated even for patients with a low hemoglobin level."

Empower yourself with knowledge of the various blood transfusion alternatives. Discuss with your doctor which alternatives will work for you best in your medical situation.

Blood Substitutes

• Examine the two categories of blood substitutes: oxygen therapeutics and volume expanders.

  Oxygen therapeutics, sometimes called, "artificial blood," substitute for your blood's ability to carry oxygen. Be encouraged knowing that oxygen therapeutics or "hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers" (HBOCs) work for all blood types. It's ready to use, there's no waste or equipment, plus it stores at room temperature for 36 months.
  (See Resources 1)

  Volume expanders increase your blood volume. If you don't need red blood cells but lost a lot of fluids, a volume expander such as saline can be used. Saline contains the same salt solution as blood.

  Understand there are other volume expanders also, such as albumin---a simple, water-soluble protein; dextrans, a polysaccharide made of dextrose; and hydroxyethyl starch, one of the most-used volume expanders.
  (See Resources 2)

Autologous Transfusion

• Consider an autologous blood transfusion if your doctor says you must have a transfusion. An autologous blood transfusion means you donate your blood for your own use. Your own blood is the safest blood you can receive. Autologous transfusions are recommended by the American Medical Association's Council on Scientific Affairs.

  Remember these five types of autologous transfusions:

  Preoperative autologous blood---your blood is drawn and stored 3 to 5 weeks before surgery.

  Intraoperative hemodilution---your blood is drawn at the start of surgery, the fluid volume is replaced with IV solutions, then your stored blood is reinfused after surgery.

  Intraoperative blood salvage---your blood is taken from the surgical site during surgery, then it's reinfused after surgery.

  Postoperative blood salvage---your blood is taken after surgery from the surgical area, then reinfused.

  Autologous self-stored blood---your blood is drawn, stored and frozen until the time you need it.

Blood Builders

• Eat iron-rich food to build up your red blood cells, enhance your immune system, and to give yourself more energy.

  Take vitamin C when you take iron supplements or with meals containing iron. Vitamin C helps you absorb iron.

  Consume foods high in iron such as seafood, eggs, chicken, garbanzo beans, peas, red meats, raisins, dates, prunes, green vegetables, whole grains, shredded wheat, almonds and peanuts.

Artificial Blood

• Contemplate what artificial blood would really mean. Blood has deeper significance to most people, spiritually as well as culturally. Blood is life. True artificial blood is still science fiction---there isn't a way to transport oxygen as well as real blood can.

  The demand is growing for blood transfusions as this generation ages, according to former president of the American Red Cross, Dr. Bernadine Healy. She said, "Artificial blood would be a blessing."

Tips and Warnings

• If you're anemic, you won't qualify for an autologous blood transfusion. Your hemoglobin must be at least 11 grams.

  Think about methods other than an autologous transfusion if you have a medical condition that could cause problems during surgery.

  Do not take iron supplements unless you've had a hemoglobin test by your doctor showing you need it. Taking too much iron is toxic.

  Avoid dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt when eating foods high in iron. Dairy prevents iron absorption.