Doctors Hospital offers a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery (BMSP) program, managed with medical staff guidance and oversight, as an alternative for patients who choose to receive medical and/or surgical care without the use of blood transfusions. Bloodless refers to medical or surgical treatment without the use of banked (stored) allogenic blood or primary blood components. While blood loss often occurs during surgery, a bloodless program endeavors to minimize blood loss by utilizing special blood conservation methods.

With the decrease in availability of blood components and an increase in concerns over transfusion reactions and disease transmission, patients have a right - whether for religious purposes or health related fears - to refuse a blood transfusion. Although no surgery is completely bloodless, the surgeons that participate in the Bloodless Medicine program attempt to minimize blood loss and avoid transfusions. Physicians however, may use a transfusion after exhausting all possible means of avoiding one, if the patient consents.

The Bloodless Medicine Program is an invaluable service for Doctors Hospital and its patients for several reasons. In fact, the following list names just some of the substantial arguments favoring this medical alternative:

• Blood-borne diseases
• Blood supply shortages
• New technology and surgical techniques
• Pressures to reduce health-care costs
• Patients' rights
• Transfusion reactions

Because of an increasing demand for health-care without blood transfusions, the BMSP program offers a team of physicians, nurses, and support staff who have an understanding of non-blood patient care as well as a medical advisor to oversee the program. Accessible 24-hours a day, patients may meet with the BMSP coordinator who counsels them and serves as a liaison between the hospital staff, physicians, family, and religious advisors. The coordinator also aids patients in making decisions about the appropriate care needed for their situation and can refer patients to a physician suited to their needs.

The hospital team approach combined with NABMS accreditation, a medical advisor and a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery coordinator distinguish Doctors Hospital's bloodless program.

Click below for links to other internet sites regarding bloodless medicine.
Transfusion Alternatives
Watchtower
Blood Diseases and Resources Information for Patients and the General Public
Facts About Blood - American Association of Blood Banks
Anemia - CDC