A team approach is used in a blood management program to determine a patient's blood management needs. The team develops a plan of care that includes the latest medications, strategies and techniques to: prevent and treat anemia, minimize blood loss and enhance an individual's own blood. This approach reduces or eliminates the need for a blood transfusion.
For more information, please contact Cleveland Clinic Healthcare Blood Management at Lakewood Hospital by calling 216.363.2270.
What is Blood Management?
A comprehensive plan to reduce or avoid the need for a blood transfusion in order to improve patient outcomes.
Why is blood management needed?
- Improve patient recovery
- Lower exposure to viruses and infections
- Faster recovery time
- Reduce cancer reoccurrence
When would my doctor recommend a blood transfusion?
A blood transfusion may be necessary when the body cannot produce blood fast enough due to major blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, and/or decreased production of red blood cells.
What are my transfusion options?
Allogeneic Blood (donated by an anonymous person)
- Red Blood Cells (RBC’s) carry oxygen to body cells
- Platelets help with blood clotting to stop bleeding
- Plasma is the liquid part of blood made of water, proteins, and hormones
- Cryoprecipitate concentrated clotting factors
Autologous Blood (your own blood)
- Hemodilution is the removal of a specific amount of your blood during surgery that is returned to you after surgery
- Intra-operative Blood Salvaging - the process of collecting blood that is lost during surgery, cleaning it, and returning it to you
- Predonation - donating your own blood before surgery
The role of blood in your body:Red blood cells bring oxygen to your organs and tissues. Hemoglobin carries and releases oxygen. This blood level tells your doctor if your body is making enough red blood cells. A low level of hemoglobin is called anemia.
Know your blood count:
Male: 14-18 gm/dl Female 12-16 gm/dl
When my doctor says I am anemic, what happens next?
- Tests to find out the cause of anemia
- Blood test to measure iron levels
- Discuss ways to raise your blood count (Iron Therapy, B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Erythropoietin)
- Strategies to Minimize Blood Loss, Enhance Blood Production, and treat Anemia
- Have a complete blood count (CBC)
If you are anemic or scheduled for surgery associated with a significant blood loss, the following may be used as part of your treatment:
Anemia, no surgery:
- Synthetic Erythropoietin - a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production
- Iron Therapy - a mineral needed for the formation of red blood cells
- B12, Folic Acid, and Vitamin C - vitamins necessary for red blood cell growth
Before Surgery:
- May use synthetic erythropoietin, iron therapy, and vitamins to build the blood.
During surgery:
- Use of your own blood through hemodilution and intra-operative blood salvaging
- Volume expanders - IV fluids used to maintain the correct amount of fluid in blood vessels
- Hemostatic drug therapy - medications that help with blood clotting
- Meticulous surgical techniques - surgical instruments that minimize blood loss
- Minimally invasive surgery - surgery conducted through small incisions (check with your doctor regarding these procedures)
- Tissues adhesives and glues
After Surgery:
- Limit blood draws
- Post-operative blood salvage - collect and return blood lost after surgery
- Nutritional support
- Medications and vitamins to grow red blood cells
Please note: It is recommended that you discuss these strategies with your doctor.
Questions to ask your Physician or Surgeon:
- Am I anemic and what can I do to correct it?
- Will I need a blood transfusion? If so, why?
- What are the risks if I choose to minimize or avoid blood transfusions?
- What do I need to do to prepare myself for surgery?
- Will I need to increase my blood count for surgery?
- What are the risks of blood transfusions?
- If I need a blood transfusion, how can it affect my recovery?
- How will a low blood count after surgery affect my recovery?
For more information, please contact Cleveland Clinic Healthcare Blood Management at Lakewood Hospital by calling 216.363.2270.