Transfusion Free Medicine

Transfusion-Free Medicine and Surgery Program

If your religious or personal beliefs prevent you from receiving blood through transfusion, you can still have the surgery or medical care you need at Palmdale Regional Medical Center.

Our Transfusion-Free Medicine and Surgery Program is affiliated with a growing network of specially trained surgeons and medical professionals who respect the wishes of their patients.

”Transfusion-free“ or ”bloodless” means medical or surgical treatments that are performed without the use of banked (stored), allogenic blood or blood products. Blood loss often occurs during surgery. Our transfusion-free program works to minimize blood loss by using special blood conservation methods.

By using transfusion-free, or bloodless, techniques to perform many medical and surgical procedures, doctors at Palmdale Regional Medical Center can help you get the medical care you need without violating your beliefs.

Among the specialties offered by the Transfusion-Free Medicine and Surgery Program at Palmdale Regional Medical Center are:

• Family medicine
• Geriatrics
• Gastroenterology
• General surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Gynecology

If blood transfusion is a concern for you or your family, we encourage you to become acquainted with primary care physicians who are experienced in transfusion-free medicine. These physicians are committed to honoring patients’ wishes regarding blood issues, thereby helping to avoid problems in medical situations.

Surgery Without Blood Transfusions
During transfusion-free surgery, the surgical team uses specialized surgical equipment to help prevent or minimize blood loss.

Depending on each patient’s needs, one or more of the following transfusion-free techniques and procedures may be used during surgery:

• Cauterizing surgical instruments, instead of traditional scalpels
• Medication that increases red blood cell production and encourages clotting
• Specialized devices that filter and return the patient’s blood in a continuous circuit
• Blood-dilution therapies
• Techniques to lower blood pressure and body temperature
• Minimally-invasive surgical techniques

How Do I Choose Transfusion-Free Medicine?
Be sure to let the hospital know of your preference when you register for a procedure at Palmdale Regional Medical Center. You’ll be asked to authorize your choice in writing, and will be identified as a “Transfusion-Free Patient” throughout your hospital stay. Physicians, surgeons, nurses and others in the program are trained to respect the beliefs and preferences of patients in our Transfusion-Free Medicine and Surgery Program, and are committed to providing the medical care you need.