Blood Transfusions

Facts About Blood Products

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center receives blood products from the Suncoast Community Blood Bank, 1760 Mound St., Sarasota, FL 34236, 941.954.1600. All blood products are from unpaid volunteer donors. Statistically, unpaid donors are among the safest donors available. Blood and blood products can be essential to sustain health and life.

Risk of Infection

There are risks involved when receiving blood products. However, blood donors are carefully screened and all blood is tested for HIV (the AIDS virus), hepatitis, and HTLV-1 (the virus which causes liver or nerve disease). There is less than a 1 in 100,000 chance of infection occurring from blood transfusion.

Blood Alternatives

You do have choices other than receiving blood from volunteer donors when timing allows. Your physician will help you determine your specific needs and options.

• Autologous Blood—You may be eligible to donate your own blood under the autologous blood procedure. If this option interests you, your physician can determine your need and if you are an acceptable candidate for autologous transfusion if appropriate for your condition.
• Blood From Relatives—Family members or friends with your blood type may possibly donate blood for you to receive. A minimum of 72 hours is required to collect and process this blood. Please ask your physician for more information about receiving blood from relatives.

Blood Transfusions

Consent for blood or blood products is on the surgical consent form, so if there is any possibility that you may require blood or blood products during an operative procedure, there will be no delay in receiving them. Alternatives, options, risks, and benefits will be discussed with you by your physician.

Talk to your physician if you have any questions. If you object to receiving blood or blood products, tell your nurse, as well as your physician, and he or she will have you sign the appropriate form so it is noted in your chart.