Why Transfusion Alternatives?
Patient safety:
Nationwide, an increasing number of hospitals are implementing blood management programs.
Current Concepts:
"Over the past two decades clinicians have learned that patients can do well, not be harmed, and even undergo surgery with hemoglobin levels that previously mandated transfusions. In effect, we have learned that many transfusions are unnecessary and have the potential for adverse effects." - Edwin N. Forman, MD Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist
What are Transfusion Alternatives?
"Transfusion alternatives" describes a multidisciplinary approach to patient care involving strategies to stimulate blood cell production and techniques to minimize blood loss.
For many patients, this approach to medical and surgical care is their only choice.