BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in Getting a Transfusion unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. Information on receiving blood Donor Center Locations Greenfield Racine 7210 W. Edgerton Ave. 1120 S. Sunnyslope Drive What is blood? Kenosha Waukesha 8064 39th Avenue 2111 Springdale Road

Manitowoc Wauwatosa The heart pumps blood through the arteries 619 Reed Avenue (in the Blood Research and veins in your body. Blood is made up of Institute building) Marshfield 8733 Watertown Plank Road various parts - red blood cells, white blood cells, 508 N. Central Avenue West Bend platelets and plasma – and each plays a special Milwaukee 130 Valley Avenue 638 N. 18th Street role for your overall well-being: • Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. 1-877-BE-A-HERO (877-232-4376) | www.bcw.edu Make your next appointment today! • White blood cells help fight infection. • Platelets are small cells that help your blood BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only supplier of blood products to over clot when you are injured or bleeding. 50 Wisconsin community hospitals. When local supply needs are met, we help hospitals nationwide meet their patient need. With unique capabilities • Plasma is made up of water, clotting factors and the support of the many communities we serve, BloodCenter is often and proteins; it carries nutrients to all parts of the only source of rare blood products needed for patients throughout the country who rely on specially-matched blood products. the body. Clotting factors work with platelets Thanks to volunteer blood donors, BloodCenter of Wisconsin is able to to stop bleeding. provide patients with red cells, platelets and plasma products. Some plasma derived from whole blood donations is used for products that are not used directly for patient care. Born with a rare and serious heart condition, Zoe received many platelet and blood transfusions throughout her treatment.

HOSP-0001 © 2008 Rev 06/16 BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Inc. All rights reserved. Why would you need What are the risks of Alternatives to transfusion a transfusion? a transfusion? for surgery A transfusion (trans-FEW-zyun) is a routine medical Most transfusions are given without any problems. Because Not everyone who has surgery will need a blood procedure where donated blood or blood products are there are some risks, you should only get a transfusion if you transfusion. The decision is based on the type of surgery given to you. Transfusions may be given to replace blood really need one. Some patients may have a mild reaction and the health of the patient. You should ask your doctor lost during surgery or from a serious injury, or when a such as a fever or rash during or shortly after getting a about blood transfusions and alternatives for transfusion person cannot make enough red blood cells. blood component. A few patients may have a more serious when you discuss your upcoming surgery. You and your At times a person with cancer or getting chemotherapy reaction. doctor should also talk about your current medications. may develop low blood counts and need a transfusion. Signs of a reaction can include: A directed donation or pre-surgical autologous (aw-TOL-o- Before deciding if a transfusion is needed, your doctor • Fever and chills • Rash gous) donation may also be an option for some people. will carefully review your current medical condition and • Trouble breathing • Fast heart rate Medications and blood recovery devices are some laboratory results. Your doctor will explain which blood • Headache, chest or back pain • Sudden uneasy feeling options that can help conserve your own blood and product you may receive. Your doctor should discuss If you have any of the signs or symptoms of a reaction, tell reduce the need for a transfusion. Some medications can the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to a blood your nurse right away. If you are at home and have these increase your red blood cell count before surgery. Other transfusion with you. symptoms, call your doctor. medications may help reduce bleeding. Your doctor will Types of Transfusions: decide which option is best for you. • Red Blood cells (RBCs) - are given to patients who are bleeding or have a low red blood cell count (anemia). What can I expect if I need Does everyone who • Platelets - are given to stop or prevent bleeding. a transfusion? • Plasma - is given to patients who are bleeding or has surgery need a need clotting factors to prevent bleeding. A transfusion can be given while you are in the hospital or • White Blood cells – are given in limited cases to as an outpatient. Before the transfusion, your doctor will blood transfusion? patients with an infection and a low white blood cell explain the reason and ask if you agree to the transfusion. A The type of surgery and the health of the patient count. blood sample will be taken to find out your blood type and screen for any antibodies that may react to the blood you determine if a blood transfusion is needed. You should ask are going to receive. After testing is completed, the blood your doctor about blood transfusions when you discuss Are transfusions safe? bank will provide blood products that match your blood as your upcoming surgery. Your doctor will decide if you closely as possible to reduce the chance of a reaction. might need a blood transfusion. The blood products will Blood is collected from healthy volunteer donors. Donor come from the local community blood supply. Autologous screening and testing of each donated unit has reduced A transfusion is given through an IV (intravenous) line – a or directed donations may be an option. Blood could be the risk of infectious disease from a blood transfusion. All thin tube placed in a vein. The nurse will explain the steps of collected during surgery using a cell-saver device. The donors are asked several questions about their health, the transfusion. collected blood is processed and then returned to you. medications and travel history before making a donation. Some of the steps include: Your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you. Sterile needles and bags are used to collect blood. • Checking your name and other hospital identification BloodCenter of Wisconsin performs at least 10 different before starting laboratory tests on each donated unit, including testing for • Checking your temperature, heart rate, breathing and hepatitis and HIV. The risk of getting hepatitis or HIV from blood pressure before, during and after the transfusion a blood transfusion is now very rare. The result is very safe • Watching you closely for the first 15 minutes of the blood products for patients who need a transfusion. transfusion and then check on you often • Asking how you are feeling, including if you have any signs of a reaction A transfusion can take up to 4 hours to complete depending on the blood product you are receiving. If you are going home after the transfusion, the IV will be taken out. You can return to your normal activity and diet.