Learn More from our Program Coordinator (954) 730-2888
Society for the Advancement of Blood Management
Get details about Blood Conservation
Fresher blood--is it better?
The Blood Conservation Program, which endeavours to minimize blood loss by using special blood conservation methods, is available upon request to any patient.
North Shore Medical Center, Main and FMC Campuses, has assembled a multidisciplinary team of skilled physicians and surgeons committed to blood conservation. They use state-of-the-art blood conservation devices, pharmaceuticals and meticulous surgical techniques to minimize blood loss during medical or surgical intervention.
Are 'Bloodless' Medical Procedures Safe?
Advances in equipment and technology have allowed physicians and surgeons to safely and successfully perform a multitude of procedures, ranging from routine to complex--without blood transfusions.
What Are The Benefits?
- Improved patient outcomes
- Possible reductions in complications and infections
- Faster recovery time
- Shorter hospital stays.
Our Frontline Technology
The Blood Conservation Program uses techniques, equipment and procedures to conserve blood loss during surgery. These include:
- Volume Expanders
Intravenous fluids enhance the circulation of blood without the use of blood or blood products.
- EPO (Erythropoietin)
A synthetic medication used to produce more red blood cells by stimulating bone marrow.
- Micro Sampling
For lab tests, conserves blood by reducing the amount of blood tested and frequency of blood tests.
- Intra- and Post-Operative Blood Salvaging
A technique to collect, clean and return your blood during and after surgery.
- Electrocautery
A surgical device used to seal blood vessels during surgery, saving time and minimizing bleeding.
- Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Helps eliminate large incisions to reduce blood loss.
- Medications
To help reduce blood loss by increasing clotting or controlling excessive bleeding.
- Dietary Information
To help you be in the best possible preoperative condition.
What Is Bloodless Medicine and Surgery?
The Blood Conservation Program is for patients who desire medical care without use of donor blood during medical and surgical procedures. There are many reasons you may prefer a "transfusion-free" treatment method. You may have strong religious convictions that prevent you from receiving blood transfusions. Or you may have a personal preference against receiving donor blood due to the risk of blood-borne diseases or transfusions reactions.
Blood Conservation
Conservation is often associated with water or other natural resources. But it is also important when another precious community resource is involved – blood.
Approximately 12 million units of red blood cells and whole blood, eight million units of platelets, and three million units of plasma are transfused in the U.S. each year. Some patients would prefer to reduce or avoid the need for a blood transfusion due to personal or other reasons. This could be achieved in specific situations through blood conservation that requires using some of the latest drugs, technology and techniques to decrease blood loss.
Blood transfusion may be necessary in cases when there has been significant blood loss due to trauma or in certain types of surgeries, blood cells are destroyed by reactions of the immune system, or blood cell production decreases because of medications, chemotherapy or serious illness. Treatment options through blood conservation and management can help reduce exposure to viruses and other blood-borne diseases and potentially shorten the length of stay in the hospital.
All About Blood
There is no substitute for human blood. One unit of whole blood is roughly equivalent to one pint. It can be separated into several components, including red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout the body, white cells (or leukocytes) that fight infections, plasma that carries blood cells, and platelets that promote blood clotting. There are four main blood types, A, B, AB and O.
Strategies to minimize blood loss and enhance blood cell production typically begin about four weeks before a scheduled surgery. Depending on the results of a complete blood count, a hormone called synthetic erythropoietin may be given to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Oral or intravenous iron may be necessary for the formation of red blood cells, as well as B12, folic acid and vitamin C for red blood cell growth.
During surgery, blood that is lost can be recovered and transfused after being appropriately processed. Volume expanders in the form of intravenous fluids made of water, salts, sugars or starches may be used to help keep the correct amount of fluid in the blood vessels. Hemostatic drugs could be administered to assist with blood clotting. Another option to manage intra-operative blood use includes hemodilution, which is the removal of a specific amount of blood during surgery that is replaced with intravenous fluids and then returned following surgery.
Surgeries performed laparoscopically, or through small incisions, typically result in less blood loss than traditional open procedures. Physicians may be able to utilize special surgical devices using electric current that seal off bleeding vessels and promote clotting. Certain tissue adhesives and glues also can reduce or stop bleeding.
After surgery, blood loss can be minimized through limited blood draws, returning reprocessed blood lost during surgery, nutritional support, and medications and vitamins to grow red blood cells.
For more information about blood conservation and management, call the Blood Conservation Program Coordinator at
954-730-2888, talk with your doctor or visit the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management.