What is bloodless medicine?

Bloodless Medicine at UF Health

At UF Health, we understand that every patient has different needs and preferences when it comes to medical care. That's why we follow special guidelines called Patient Blood Management. During procedures, we use different medical approaches to make sure you need as little donated blood as possible, and sometimes none at all. Instead, we focus on techniques that help your own body make more red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which is a special protein in your blood that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. We also use techniques that reduce the amount of blood removed from your body. This way, we can provide you with excellent care and minimize the need for blood transfusion.

Our skilled medical team is here to give you personalized and caring treatment. Our bloodless medicine program offers:

• Anemia Treatment: Our experts will treat nutritional deficiencies and use other therapies to help your body to produce its own red blood cells.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: We use advanced technology to do surgeries that minimize blood loss.
  
• Minimize Your Blood Loss: We use techniques to conserve your own blood.
• Continuous Monitoring & Support: Our team continuously checks on how you're doing and supports you all the way through your treatment.

Anemia and its consequences

Anemia occurs when your body does not have enough red blood cells. Think of these cells as tiny delivery trucks that carry oxygen to your body's cells. One common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia happens when your body lacks an important ingredient called iron. Your body needs iron to make red blood cells. Doctors can find out if you have anemia by doing some tests on your blood. If you do have it, treatments might include taking iron pills or getting an infusion in your vein (IV). There are also other treatments depending on the cause of your anemia.

Blood transfusions

Benefits and side effects of blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is when you receive someone else's blood. It can save your life if you have extremely low levels of red blood cells because you are bleeding or your body is not able to produce enough. Blood transfusion helps give your body the oxygen it needs. But there can be side effects. Allergies, lung issues, blood type mismatches, or infections can occur.

Transfusion medicine: blood components for blood transfusion

Blood is made up of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets, and plasma. Here's what each of these components does.

• Red Blood Cells (RBC): Red blood cells are filled with a special protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. The oxygen provides energy to your cells.
• White Blood Cells (WBC): White blood cells are your body's defense team. They work to fight off infections and keep you healthy. There are different types of white blood cells, each with its own job. Some attack germs or clean up after an infection.
• Platelets: Platelets are tiny cell fragments that help with clotting. When you get a cut, platelets rush to the scene and stick together to form a clot, which is the first step to stop the bleeding. They are the first responders to an injury.
• Plasma: Plasma is a liquid that makes up about half of your blood. It carries nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout your body. Plasma also helps maintain your blood pressure and regulates body temperature.

Minor fractions

Sometimes, we need to give smaller parts of blood, typically referred to as fractions.

• Cryoprecipitate is made from fresh-frozen plasma. It is the thick, frosty part collected after the plasma thaws. Cryoprecipitate has lots of clotting factors including fibrinogen and is critical in combatting bleeding.
• Albumin is a protein that helps maintain the correct amount of fluid in your blood vessels and supports your blood pressure. It also carries important drugs and chemicals throughout your body.
• Concentrated clotting factors are used when your blood doesn’t clot well. They help stop bleeding.
• Immunoglobulins, also from donated blood, boost your body's immune defenses against germs.

Procedures involving patient's blood

During certain medical procedures, we can use your own blood in special ways.

• Hemodilution involves taking out blood prior to surgery and replacing it with a water and mineral based solution. The blood lost during surgery is diluted and the previously removed blood can be returned to you. This blood has a greater ability to deliver oxygen.
• Cell salvage collects and returns a portion of your lost blood during surgery.
• The heart-lung machine helps your heart when it needs a rest. It takes over the pumping and oxygenating duties.
• Dialysis is a treatment for kidney problems. Dialysis cleanses your blood when your kidneys can not.
• An epidural blood patch treats severe headaches that can occur after a spinal tab or lumbar puncture. This is done by injecting a small amount of your blood near the spinal cord.

Alternative hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers

Hemopure is an alternative to blood transfusion. It's derived from purified cow's red blood cells. Like your own blood, this substance carries oxygen. If you cannot get a blood transfusion, Hemopure may help your body get the oxygen it needs to stay healthy.

Contact us

We understand that choosing between treatment options can be a difficult decision. Our dedicated team is here to answer any questions and guide you through the process. Contact us to learn more about how our bloodless medicine program can meet your unique needs.