Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not find the answer you are looking for, please send your question to AskTheExpert@sabm.org.

Blood Management/Conservation Programs

• What is "Blood Management"?
• How do I find a doctor who will cooperate with my decision to have transfusion free surgery?

Blood Substitutes

• Is Polyheme a viable alternative to allogeneic blood in Jehovah's Witness patients?
• A 23 week pregnant mother asks about the need for blood and ECMO in her fetus that has been diagnosed with CDH.

Blood Transfusion

• What thresholds or "transfusion triggers" are used around the USA for RBC and platelet transfusions?

Cell Saver

• Has the "Cell Saver intraoperative cell salvage machine" been successfully used in a patient undergoing ileo-rectal anastomosis?

Surgery

• What can be done to prevent blood loss during surgery?
• How do I prepare myself for surgery so that I will lose less blood?
• Explain to me medications that are available to be used during surgery to aid in reducing blood loss.
• What should I ask my doctor regarding my options in surgery with a focus on transfusion free care?

Other

• Can a Bone Marrow Transplant be Done Without Blood Products?
• What care is there for leukemia patients that are Jehovah's Witnesses?