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Surgeries & Procedures

Transfusion-Free Medicine and Surgery

When Blood is not an Option
In 2001, Saint Alphonsus became the first hospital in Idaho to develop a formal Transfusion-Free Medicine program for patients who choose to avoid the use of donor blood during medical and surgical procedures. A growing number of patients are now choosing this type of surgery because transfusion-free techniques eliminate the risk of blood-borne illnesses and infections. In addition to health preference, many hold a religious conviction which prevents them from receiving blood transfusions.

At Saint Alphonsus, we assist patients pre- and post-surgery with pharmaceuticals, including erythropoietin (EPO) and many other fractions, and intra-operatively as well with blood salvage equipment and techniques, such as hemodilution, which allow the patients to become their own blood bank.

Saint Alphonsus is a founding member of the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management, an international organization dedicated to new techniques, procedures and treatments in transfusion-free medicine. The organization's website, www.sabm.org, has a listing of member hospitals across the country, new advances in the field and resources to learn more about new products and techniques.

If you, a friend or family member have questions or would like more information, please contact the Transfusion-Free program at 208-367-8712.

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