If you're uncomfortable sharing blood through transfusions or if you hold personal or religious convictions against receiving blood transfusions, you have options. Choosing the transfusion-free/bloodless medicine alternatives can reduce the possibility of transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS and may reduce the risk of infection.

The practice of transfusion free/bloodless medicine and surgery consists of a highly-trained team of medical professionals that utilize specific treatments, devices, techniques and equipment in order to accommodate the health care needs of individuals who choose not to receive blood or blood products.

How does it work?

Transfusion-free/bloodless medicine is accomplished through pharmaceutical therapy, blood conservation, and meticulous surgical techniques to minimize blood loss. Typically, one or more of the following procedures may be utilized to accomplish a "bloodless" surgery: The patient's blood may be filtered through specialized devices and returned to the body in a continuous circuit.

Cauterizing surgical instruments, rather than traditional scalpels, may be used. Medicines to increase red blood cell production and encourage clotting may be administered. Blood-dilution therapies may be utilized during surgery. The patient's blood pressure and temperature can be lowered during surgery which causes less blood to be lost.

Our commitment to transfusion-free/bloodless medicine is to provide quality care while supporting our patient's choice in every possible way. Hospital program coordinators get to know each of our patients personally, and are available to them 24 hours a day. Our coordinators are here to help patients and their families, and provide assistance throughout their hospital stay, from referral to a qualified physician, to discharge from the hospital.

Click here to view the most frequently asked questions.

To reach the Transfusion-free/Bloodless* Medicine Coordinator at Lakewood Regional Medical Center, please call Ron Williams at (562) 602-6780.

*"Bloodless" means medical or surgical treatment without the use of banked (stored) allogenic blood or primary blood components.  Blood loss often occurs during surgery.  A bloodless program endeavors to minimize blood loss by utilizing special blood conservation methods.