A team approach is used in a blood management program to determine a patient's blood management needs.  The team develops a plan of care that includes the latest medications, strategies and techniques to: prevent and treat anemia, minimize blood loss and enhance an individual's own blood.  This approach reduces or eliminates the need for a blood transfusion.

• Improve patient recovery
• Lower exposure to viruses and infections
• Faster recovery time
• Reduce cancer reoccurrence

When would my doctor recommend a blood transfusion?
A blood transfusion may be necessary when the body cannot produce blood fast enough due to major blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, and/or decreased production of red blood cells.

 

What are my transfusion options?

• Allogeneic Blood (donated by an anonymous person)
  Red Blood Cells (RBC’s) carry oxygen to body cells
  Platelets - help with blood clotting to stop bleeding
  Plasma - liquid part of blood made of water, proteins, and hormones
  Cryoprecipitate -concentrated clotting factors

• Autologous Blood (your own blood)
  Hemodilution - removal of a specific amount of your blood during surgery that is returned to you after surgery
  Intra-operative Blood Salvaging - the process of collecting blood that is lost during surgery, cleaning it, and returning it to you
  Predonation - donating your own blood before surgery  

The role of blood in your body:
Red blood cells bring oxygen to your organs and tissues.  Hemoglobin carries and releases oxygen.  This blood level tells your doctor if your body is making enough red blood cells.  A low level of hemoglobin is called anemia.

 

Know your blood count:
Male: 14-18 gm/dl                        Female 12-16 gm/dl

 

 

When my doctor says I am anemic, what happens next?

• Tests to find out the cause of anemia
• Blood test to measure iron levels
• Discuss ways to raise your blood count (Iron Therapy, B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Erythropoietin)     

 

Strategies to Minimize Blood Loss, Enhance Blood Production, and treat Anemia
Have a complete blood count (CBC).  If you are anemic or scheduled for surgery associated with a significant blood loss, the following may be used as part of your treatment:

Anemia, no surgery:

• Synthetic Erythropoietin - a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production
• Iron Therapy - a mineral needed for the formation of red blood cells
• B12, Folic Acid, and Vitamin C - vitamins necessary for red blood cell growth

Before Surgery:

May use synthetic erythropoietin, iron therapy, and vitamins to build the blood.

During Surgery:

• Use of your own blood through hemodilution and intra-operative blood salvaging
• Volume expanders - IV fluids used to maintain the correct amount of fluid in blood vessels
• Hemostatic drug therapy - medications that help with blood clotting
• Meticulous surgical techniques - surgical instruments that minimize blood loss
• Minimally invasive surgery - surgery conducted through small incisions (check with your doctor regarding these procedures)
• Tissue adhesives and glues

After Surgery:

• Limit blood draws
• Post-operative blood salvage - collect and return blood lost after surgery
• Nutritional support
• Medications and vitamins to grow red blood cells

Please note: It is recommended that you discuss these strategies with your doctor.

 

Questions to ask your Physician or Surgeon:

1. Am I anemic and what can I do to correct it?
2. Will I need a blood transfusion? If so, why?
3. What are the risks if I choose to minimize or avoid blood transfusions?
4. What do I need to do to prepare myself for surgery?
5. Will I need to increase my blood count for surgery?
6. What are the risks of blood transfusions?
7. If I need a blood transfusion, how can it affect my recovery?
8. How will a low blood count after surgery affect my recovery?

For more information, please contact Cleveland Clinic Healthcare Blood Management at Lutheran Hospital by calling 216.363.2270.