Transfusion-Free Medicine & Surgery
Also known as Bloodless Medicine, trust PIH Health to respect your choice to avoid blood transfusions. Ask us for help selecting doctors who’ll work with you to create a care plan you’re comfortable with.
Transfusion-Free Medical Care
Get high-quality healthcare without receiving donated blood or blood products. PIH Health offers a wide range transfusion-free services, including:
Preparing for Bloodless Surgery
High-quality transfusion-free surgery begins with a comprehensive evaluation. To create an individualized plan to manage your bleeding, your doctor will:
- Ask about your medical history
- Physically examine you
- Conduct screening tests
Rely on your doctor to collaborate with other members of your surgical team to support a smooth, successful transfusion-free treatment.
Transfusion-Free Techniques
PIH Health doctors use a variety of approaches to keep you safe while avoiding a blood transfusion. Your care may include:
- Controlled hemodilution/ultrafiltration techniques to remove excess water
- Efficient, gentle methods of intraoperative blood salvage
- Erythropoietin (EPO), iron and other medications to stimulate red blood cell production before surgery
- Medicines or use of an Argon Beam Coagulator to accelerate blood clotting
- Minimally invasive interventions to reduce procedural blood loss
- Recirculation of blood
- Sutures and electrocautery to control bleeding
- Volume expanders or intravenous fluids to improve circulation
Benefits of Transfusion-Free Care
When you’re treated with transfusion-free techniques, you benefit from:
- Increased blood cell growth when using targeted medicine during cancer treatment
- Lower risk of infection
- Lower risk of exposure to viruses such as hepatitis and HIV
- Support for the natural immune system
Comprehensive Support for Patients & Families
Access a wide range of support and services including:
- Referrals to specialists in transfusion-free medicine
- Anemia management and treatment
- Making arrangements for people coming from out-of-town for care
- Insurance authorization assistance
- Education and support
- Evaluation before surgery to determine the most appropriate alternative to blood transfusion
- Care coordination following surgery
- Program coordinator and facilitator