OSF System Laboratory - Blood Transfusions

What is a blood transfusion?

A blood transfusion is a life-saving medical procedure ordered by your doctor. Transfusions of red blood cells are used to replace blood lost in accident or injury, during surgery, in cases of severe shock and in the treatment of certain diseases. Other blood products may be given to correct certain bleeding disorders.

Where does OSF St. Francis Hospital's blood come from?

All blood and blood components used at OSF St. Francis Hospital come from the Badger-Hawkeye Region of the American Red Cross.

What are the risks of blood transfusions?

As with any medical procedure, receiving a blood transfusion carries some risks. The AIDS (HIV) virus and the viruses that cause Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may be spread through the transfusion of blood products.

How big is the risk of contracting AIDS from a blood transfusion?

Although it is still theoretically possible to contact HIV from a blood transfusion, it is extremely rare. The current risk nationwide is 1 in 340,000; for our area it has been calculated to be 1 in 1,100,000.

How safe is the blood supply?

The nation's blood supply is safer today than ever before. All potential donors must answer questions about their health history designed to identify and defer donors who may be at risk of transmitting infectious diseases. Each donated unit is extensively tested for infectious diseases based on guidelines set by the FDA and the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks).

A test to detect antibodies to the AIDS virus is used to identify people who may have had a prior exposure to AIDS or a related virus. It is not a test for AIDS. Because these antibodies have been linked with transfusion-spread AIDS cases, any unit of blood testing positive for these AIDS antibodies is not used.

There is no absolute way to prevent an HIV-exposed person from giving blood. A few people may have the HIV virus in their blood and will not have the antibodies. Because they will test negative for the HIV antibody and have no signs or symptoms of AIDS, these people will not be found through routine tests at the blood bank. For this reason, the Red Cross requires that anyone who is in a high risk category for AIDS not give blood.

Blood is also tested for antibodies to both the Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses. Also, just before transfusion, a sample of the donor's blood is carefully cross-matched with a sample of the patient's blood. This is done to make sure that your blood type matches the blood type that you will receive.

In our region, 85 percent of the donors have given blood before. This further helps ensure the safety of the blood supply because these donors are familiar with the health requirements, and their blood is retested each time they donate.

What other donor blood sources are available?

Currently, OSF St. Francis Hospital offers autologous blood donations. This is blood you donate for your own use at the hospital before your elective surgery. Autologous donations need to be arranged with the laboratory by your doctor; they are not available on an emergency basis. Directed donations, those in which a friend or relative wants to donate for you, need to be arranged through the American Red Cross in Green Bay.

What are alternatives to blood?

The possibilities of alternatives to blood must be discussed with your doctor.

Can I refuse blood?

Yes, you have the right to refuse any blood transfusion. The risk of refusing blood depends on each person's medical condition. Delaying or avoiding transfusion may, at times, increase your hospital stay or increase the risk of developing other medical problems. Your doctor would be best able to answer your questions. However, you do have the right to refuse blood.