Answer: Transfusion is the process of transferring blood from a donor into the body of a recipient. Usually the donor and recipient are different people although it is possible to take blood from one person and give it back to them later when they need it for example after an operation.

Laboratory tests before transfusion insure that the risk to the patient is minimal. The testing performed by the Community Blood Bank is very rigorous and can detect a great many blood borne pathogens. In recent years, the science of testing blood has advanced greatly, with the addition of HIV antigen screening and nucleic acid testing.

Answer: Contrary to what many may believe, there is no biblical principle or Law that is against giving blood or receiving a blood transfusion. Today, many people store their own blood before the birth of a child or for other medical treatment they are planning to have. If the individual's Faith is such that they wish to do this then "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Rom. 14:5) The bible says "for all men have not faith.

Many people were infected before they began testing the blood. Now the risk of infection is 1 in 500,000.

Blood transfusions are used to treat anemia as a last resort. The physican first identifies the cause of the anemia and corrects the cause, if possible. With concern over the safety of the blood supply, more attention is being given to anemia management. Most blood transfusions are given because of excessive bleeding at the time of surgery, with trauma, or because of bone marrow suppression, in patients with cancer or leukemia on chemotherapy.

While there is no charge for blood itself, the costs of recruiting, collecting, testing and distributing blood are passed on to hospitals in the form of a "processing fee." These processing fees, along with the hospital's charges for testing and transfusion of the products may appear on the recipient's hospital bill, but they are typically covered by the patient's insurance. You can call our Collections Department at 1-800-542-5663 to talk with someone about donor eligibility.

The risk of receiving an HIV positive unit of blood through a blood transfusion is 1 in 1.5 million today. Since 1987, the window period has been reduced from 42 days to approximately 12-16 days following the implementation of the HIV antigen test in March 1996.

In general, we don't order blood transfusions unless the benefit greatly exceeds the risk. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that there are times when we have no realistic option but to order a blood transfusion. The blood bank screens blood for the AIDS antibody and other types of viral infections including Hepatitis. Although the risks are very low, they are not zero.

There is frequently a need for some blood transfusions during total joint replacement surgery. Most of the blood lost in surgery can be reused at the time of surgery by being filtered and re-administered to the patient. For hip surgery particularly, we advise that patients store some of their own blood prior to surgery for use at the time of surgery. This precludes any possibility of problems during the administration of blood at the time of or after surgery.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for Q&A on blood transfusions: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/transfusion.htm.

With sophisticated biological tests, blood transfusions today are safer than ever. You can donate blood for yourself several weeks in advance of your surgery if you are healthy and meet the weight requirement. This is called "autologous" blood. If relatives or friends donate blood for you, this is called "designated donor" blood. Blood must be donated at least three to four days prior to surgery to allow for appropriate testing of the blood.

After donation, your blood will be tested for blood type, hepatitis, HIV (the AIDS virus), HTLV (human t-cell lymphotropic virus), West Nile Virus, and syphilis. The American Red Cross also tests for antibodies to T.cruzii microorganism (Chagas' disease.) Then it can be used either as whole blood for one patient or, after separation into components, to help several patients.

There are several different components of the blood that can be transfused. Red blood cells are the most common type of transfusion. If your child's physician has decided your child might need a transfusion of blood, or blood products, he/she will explain the reasons for the transfusion. There are several reasons why your child may require a blood transfusion, including the following:

Blood helps keep you healthy. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body. It carries carbon dioxide and other waste products back to the lungs, kidneys, and liver for disposal. It fights against infections and helps heal wounds.

Small amounts that get just inside the lip/mouth junction by the cold sore should not be problematic, however, if you accidentally place a large amount of cream into the mouth, then remove the cream and rinse out your mouth with water.

The real job of audio post has now begun. In the next weeks or months, the sound editors will locate and synchronize all of the sound effects needed in the film. If necessary, they will create Field Recordings of new sound effects needed for the film.

Answer: Generally all facials consist of a facial scrub then a 10 minute face massage followed by a face mask. When you come in for your facial, you will be asked to remove the clothing from the top part of your body and you will be provided with a towel and blanket to cover up. If you have long hair, we would also tie this back in to a hair band to keep it out of the way. A facial treatment is definitely one of the most relaxing beauty treatments you can have.

Answer: Spence has had a total of 5 platelet transfusions. He has not had any whole blood transfusions. His last transfusion was July 5th, 2001. Details can be found on Chronology page.

Occasionally, your blood sugar level may get too low if you are taking insulin. This can happen if you delay a meal or exercise more than usual, especially at the time your insulin is working at its peak. This low blood sugar is called "hypoglycemia" or an "insulin reaction." This is a medical emergency and should be promptly treated, never ignored. The symptoms of insulin reaction vary from sweating, shakiness, or dizziness to feeling faint, disoriented, or a tingling sensation.

Your blood will be tested for various infectious agents, including HIV and hepatitis. It will then be processed into components (red cells, platelets, plasma). After processing, red cells can be stored for 42 days, platelets can be stored for five days and plasma can be frozen for one year. Your single unit of blood can help save the lives of up to three separate patients.

Answer : We test using serum. Testing serum verses whole blood gives us the advantage maintaining the specimen for a longer period of time, and more accurate results.

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Yes, if the blood contains HIV. In many places blood is now screened for HIV before it is transfused. If you need a transfusion, try to ensure that screened blood is used. You can reduce the chances of needing a blood transfusion by taking ordinary precautions against serious injury - for example, by driving carefully, insisting on wearing a seat belt, and avoiding alcohol.

If you are due for a mammogram, then this should be done prior to surgery. As with all surgeries, routine lab work is done as well.

Ans. Yes. If the blood contains HIV. In many places blood is now screened for HIV before it is transfused. If you need a transfusion, try to ensure that screened blood is used. You can reduce the chances of needing a blood transfusion by taking ordinary precautions against serious injury - for example, by driving carefully, insisting on wearing a seat belt, and avoiding alcohol.

We follow the Bible command, found at Acts chapter 15, verse 20, Acts chapter 21, verse 25, and elsewhere, that Christians must "abstain from . . . blood." Jehovah's Witnesses request the use of nonblood medical alternatives, which are widely accepted and used by the medical community.