​Frequently Asked Questions About Bloodless Medicine and About Patient Blood Management

What is Bloodless Medicine? What is Patient Blood Management? Are They Different? 

Patient blood management is a patient-oriented approach to avoiding unnecessary blood transfusions.  With patient blood management, multiple strategies to reduce or eliminate the need for transfusions are employed. While patient blood management results in decreased transfusions, transfusions are still reserved as an option to be used when necessary in the patient’s care.  Patient blood management is being advocated by physicians, hospitals, transfusion services, and health care regulatory bodies.
Patient blood management is desirable for the following reasons:
  • Reduces exposure to viruses and other blood-borne diseases.
  • May reduce the risk of hospital-acquired complications and infections.
  • May help to reduce length of hospital stay.
  • Conserves use of a precious community resource.
  • May help reduce hospital- and patient-care costs.
Bloodless medicine and surgery refers to the care of patients who refuse to allow blood transfusions to be used in their care. Very often, the decision to refuse transfusions is a reflection of the religious or cultural beliefs of the patient. These wishes and beliefs deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  Patient blood management strategies and techniques can clinically support a patient’s decision not to allow transfusions.    However, a patient’s decision to refuse transfusions also may involve added risks.  A patient who chooses bloodless medicine and surgery therefore accepts the responsibility for any consequences, positive or negative, that may develop from his or her decision.

 

Find more answers below to frequently asked questions about bloodless medicine and patient blood management:

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For more information on The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at UPMC, please contact us at 1-877-674-7111.

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