This brochure was developed by the If you have additional questions about California Department of Health Services your options for blood transfusion, please Laboratory Field Services ask your doctor. Information also can be 850 Marina Bay Parkway obtained by calling your local community Richmond, CA 94804 blood center or hospital blood bank. In partnership with the A Patient’s Guide to Medical Technical Advisory Committee References: of the Blood Centers of California. Blood Transfusion 1. Stramer SL, Glynn SA, Kleinman SH et al. “Detection of HIV-1 and HCV infections For information about brochure contents, among antibody-negative blood donors by please call Laboratory Field Services nucleic acid-amplification testing.” New (213) 620-6574 England Journal Medicine vol 351, pp.760- 768, August 2004. Distributed by the Medical Board of California * The risk estimates were adjusted to include first time and repeat blood donors. There is no charge for a single copy. For a bundle of 25, please send a 2. U.S. Department of Transportation’s check for $5 (inclusive) payable to: Fatality Analysis Reporting System website 2003 data: Medical Board of California 1426 Howe Avenue, Suite 54 http://www.hwysafety.org/research/fatality_ Sacramento, California 95825-3236 facts/general.html. California Department of For a single copy, Fax your request to: Health Services (916) 263-2479 This information may be obtained electronically at: June 2006 This brochure is provided as a source of information and is not to be considered a www.medbd.ca.gov/Pubs_Bloodtransfusion.htm replacement for the Informed Consent process prior to the transfusion of blood. (Revised 6/06) UCLA Form #311708 Rev. (06/06) If you need blood, you have several options. These options include receiving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (the Donating DURING Surgery and/or After blood from the community, using your own virus that causes Acquired Surgery. Immediately before surgery, blood (autologous), or blood from donors Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)) or your doctor may be able to remove some that you have selected (designated hepatitis C is about 1 in 2 million. The of your blood and replace it with other donors). Your options may be limited by chance that a unit (pint) will transmit fluids. After surgery, the blood that was time and health factors. Although you hepatitis B is less than 1 in 200,000.1*. removed may be returned to you. have the right to refuse a blood Although the risk for other serious transfusion, this decision may hold life- infections exist, that risk is much less than In addition, the surgeon may be able to threatening consequences. the annual risk of dying in a motor vehicle recycle your blood during surgery. Blood accident in the United States (1 in 7,000).2 that normally is shed and discarded during It is important to weigh the risks, costs and surgery could be collected, processed, and benefits of donating your own blood before Using your own blood – Autologous returned to you. A large volume of your surgery. Many elective surgeries do not Donation. Using your own blood blood can be recycled in this way. require blood transfusions. If you have (autologous) can minimize the need for questions about transfusion needs or transfusion with donor blood. Using your Blood that is lost after surgery may be options, please ask your doctor. Check own blood will reduce, but not eliminate, collected, filtered, and returned to you. with your insurance company about your the risk of transfusion-related infections costs for donation. If you choose not to and allergic reactions. Designated Donors. Although the blood donate your own blood, or if more blood is supply today is very safe, some patients required than expected, you may receive Patients who donate their own blood prefer to receive blood from people they blood other than your own. before surgery have lower blood levels at know – “designated (or directed) donors.” the time of surgery and, therefore, have a This blood is not safer than blood from Community Donors. Hospitals maintain a greater chance of needing transfusions volunteer community donors. In some supply of blood from volunteer (unpaid) during or after their surgeries. Autologous community donors to meet transfusion blood donations are not an option for all cases it may be less safe because donors needs. Community blood donors are patients. It may not be safe for you to known to the patient may not be truthful screened by a thorough medical history, donate. Ask your doctor if autologous about their personal history. Blood and then tested with the most accurate donation is appropriate for you. donated by someone who was recently technology available. exposed to HIV or other infections could Donating BEFORE Surgery. Blood banks pass the screening tests, and infect you. Our nation’s blood supply is very safe and can draw your blood and store it for your high in quality. Nothing in life is risk free; use. This process usually is performed for Designated donors must meet the same however, the risks associated with blood a planned surgery. Blood can be stored for requirements as community donors. transfusions are very small. The chance only a limited period of time, so Several days notice is required for the that a unit (pint) of blood will transmit coordinating the donations with the date of additional processing of designated surgery is important. donors. UCLA Form #311708 Rev. (06/06) .