About Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Services

In keeping with the belief that all persons need to be treated with dignity and respect, UPMC established the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Services in 2010.

What We Do

Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Services at UPMC:

• Combines the principles of patient blood management with a culture of respect for the convictions and beliefs of individuals who are unable to accept blood transfusions for religious, ethical, or blood safety concerns.
• Offers guidance to physicians and their patients on appropriate blood management strategies. UPMC is a leader in this field, and the center operates in collaboration with the UPMC Patient Blood Management Committee.
• Provides consultations for developing treatment plans for patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses or members of other religious denominations that refuse blood products.

Helping Patients Communicate Their Bloodless Medicine Wishes

Patients at any UPMC facility may request the assistance of the UPMC Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Services in communicating their wishes.

We encourage patients to talk to their doctors about steps they can take to reduce or eliminate the need for blood transfusions.

Not sure what to say? We can help.

We offer resources to support you when you're:

• Pregnant and do not want transfusions. Contact us early in your pregnancy for assistance in conveying your wishes to all of your UPMC care providers.
• Having surgery and want to talk to your surgeon about patient blood management.
• Looking for a doctor who practices bloodless medicine and surgery at UPMC.
• Ready to complete a worksheet (PDF) and record your personal blood choices and to better understand the different blood products and procedures.

Learn More About Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine

• FAQs about bloodless medicine and blood management
• Blood management and bloodless medicine articles, videos, and other resources
• Contact us for more information about patient blood management

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.