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What
is bloodless care?
It is an intensive program of medical care in which
medical and surgical problems are treated without the
use of blood.
Why
would someone choose bloodless care?
There are a variety of reasons someone might refuse
a blood transfusion. The total avoidance of blood transfusions
is a matter of religious belief or personal conviction
among some patients. Others may wish to avoid the use
of donor blood to minimize the risk of blood-borne infections
and prevent immune system suppression.
How
can you perform surgery without blood?
With careful planning and preparation. Certain types
of medication and iron supplements can be given for
a few weeks prior to surgery to stimulate the production
of more red blood cells. During surgery, blood can be
conserved by using meticulous technique and state-of-the-art
surgical instruments to stop or prevent excessive bleeding.
In many cases, blood lost during a surgical procedure
can be salvaged and recycled.
Is
this a safe alternative?
In most cases, transfusions can be safely avoided.
Experts are finding that patients are able to tolerate
and safely recover from much lower blood counts than
previously thought.
Is
our country's blood supply unsafe?
In the United States, donor blood is tested for several
infectious diseases. However, there are other infectious
agents that are not screened. Furthermore, introducing
donor blood into your system can suppress your body's
immune system and make infection more likely.
Will
my insurance cover the cost of bloodless treatment?
University Hospital accepts many forms of insurance
and we will gladly work with others to arrange for care
on a case by case basis.
What
if I am in an accident and require emergency treatment
or surgery?
Make sure you are taken to a facility with a bloodless
care program like the University Center for Bloodless
Surgery and Medicine at University Hospital. If you
can speak for yourself, tell EMS, emergency room personnel,
admitting personnel, nurses etc. about your choice for
transfusion-free care. If you are at University Hospital,
the University Center for Bloodless Surgery and Medicine's
coordinator will be alerted to your admission and will
visit with you to make sure your wishes are documented.
What
if I cannot speak for myself in an emergency situation?
Tell your friends, relatives, co-workers ... anyone
who may be in a position to speak on your behalf. Put
your wishes in writing in the form of a Living Will
or Advance Directive. Make sure several people have
a copy of this. You may also choose to carry a card
in an obvious location, for example attached to your
driver's license, that clearly states your wishes. The
University Center for Bloodless Surgery and Medicine
staff can help you create an advance directive if you
do not have one.
Do
I need to create a new living will or Advance Directive
each time I'm admitted to the hospital?
No, simply alert the staff that you already have an
Advance Directive.
Will
you provide bloodless treatment for my child?
Yes, with the consent of a legal guardian. Physicians
at the University Center for Bloodless Surgery and Medicine
have agreed to explore and exhaust all non-blood alternatives
in the treatment of children. However, New Jersey State
law requires physicians to administer blood transfusions
to minors if the transfusion is judged necessary to
prevent immediate death or loss of function of a major
organ.
If
I choose bloodless care, can I change my mind at a later
date?
Yes, participation in the bloodless program is completely
voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
How
do I withdraw from the program if I wish?
Alert any of the hospital medical staff to your decision.
You be asked to sign a form called "Consent to
Blood Transfusion".
Why
should I choose the University Center for Bloodless
Surgery and Medicine?
Our patients are treated with a special, individualized
level of care that is tailored to their specific medical
needs. Our full-time Nurse Coordinator is available
24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions
or assist patients. All University Center physicians
are committed to the provision of bloodless care and
represent a full range of medical and surgical disciplines.
How
can I obtain more information?
Call our toll-free number 1(888) BLD-LESS (253-5377)
to speak with a coordinator.
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