Blood management is the appropriate provision and use of blood and its components and derivatives. It includes strategies to reduce or avoid the need for a blood transfusion.
For decades, doctors have been meeting the needs of patients who refuse blood transfusions. Recognizing certain benefits that these patients enjoyed, the field of blood management has developed over the past 10 years.
Blood management is associated with many benefits, such as:
The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at UPMC uses several patient blood management strategies and techniques.
Yes.
UPMC has a six-point blood management program that is being implemented at each of its hospitals, and UPMC physicians have been at the forefront of physician education in patient blood management.
For further information, call the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery toll-free at 1-877-674-7111.
For more information about the Patient Blood Management Program at UPMC, please contact us at 1-877-674-7111.
During a recent virtual seminar, David James Kaczorowski, MD, who specializes in cardiothoracic transplantation, discussed expanded treatment options for heart transplant patients who cannot accept blood transfusions. For details, read the article, “Heart Transplant Without Blood Transfusion.” If you would like to be kept up to date on future seminars, please submit your email address in the “Contact Us” tab.
If you wish to refuse blood and/or blood products for a procedure, hospital stay, etc., you can save time by completing a Release From Liability for Failure to Administer Blood Transfusion Form (RFL) for Patients Who Decline Transfusions (PDF).
Bloodless medicine solutions are available for expecting mothers who choose not to receive blood transfusions. Connect with a bloodless medicine advocate early in your pregnancy and learn about available options. Call 877-674-7111 to get started.
