Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Bloodless Medicine and Surgery?

Bloodless medicine and surgery refers to the care of a patient’s medical and surgical needs without the use of banked blood products.

Can Doctors Perform Serious Procedures Without Blood Transfusions?

Yes.

Surgeons can perform many procedures without the use of banked blood, such as:

Cancer surgeries
Heart surgeries
Joint replacements
Organ transplants

UPMC Presbyterian was the first hospital in the world to perform liver transplants for those who required bloodless medicine and surgery.

How Are Bloodless Surgical Procedures Performed?

Maximizing a person's blood counts prior to surgery is followed by a variety of techniques to decrease surgical blood loss.

Are “Blood Substitutes” Used?

While there has been considerable interest in the idea of artificial blood or blood substitutes, no products of this nature are currently available for use in the United States.

Research and clinical trials are currently being conducted about these products.

Is Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Safe?

There are risks and benefits to both accepting and refusing blood transfusions. Every person's case is different.

Reducing the use of banked blood does limit your potential exposure to blood-borne disease.

Your doctor will discuss the options with you and explain all the risks before any procedure.

Can I Have Bloodless Surgery at UPMC?

Yes.

UPMC Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Services offers bloodless surgery, as well as guidance and support for bloodless medicine patients and their doctors.

For further information, call the center toll-free at 1-877-674-7111.

Contact Us

For more information about the Patient Blood Management Program at UPMC, please contact us at 1-877-674-7111.

What's New

Heart Transplant Without Blood Transfusion

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.

Now Online: Our Release From Liability (RFL) Form

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).

Are you pregnant or do you know someone who is?

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.