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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

Yes, but it occurs rarely. Blood banks are now screening blood to make sure that it does not contain the virus.

It is now widely known both among medical personnel and the general public that blood transfusion carries with it substantial risks. However, this is not the reason a practicing Jehovah's Witness refuses to accept a blood transfusion. The primary reason is that in their view the Bible prohibits the taking of blood into the body to sustain life. Pertinent Scriptures include Acts 15:19-21, which says "Abstain... from fornication and from what is strangled [unbled meat] and from blood.

Autologous - made from your own blood. Seals wounds, reduces bleeding. Some blood is withdrawn and concentrated into a solution rich in platelets and white cells. This solution is applied on surgical sites or wounds. In some formulations, a clotting factor taken from cow's blood is used.

No. Donating blood save lives, and donors have no risk of contracting West Nile virus while giving blood. The potential West Nile virus health risks from receiving blood transfusions or organ donations are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits.

Yes, there have been confirmed cases in Canada and the United States of West Nile virus being spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. The risk of getting West Nile virus through these procedures is very low, and many believe that the benefits of these procedures outweigh the risk of becoming infected with West Nile Virus. If you are scheduled to receive a blood transfusion or organ transplant, you may wish to discuss your concerns with your doctor or surgeon.

A group of tests that are important for diagnosing lupus will be performed. The results of these tests (serology) will be sent to you if you choose to receive them. The DNA in your blood will be analyzed to determine which genes may be involved in lupus and to address other scientific questions about lupus as they arise. A permanent cell line will be established and this cell line may be used for other approved lupus research at a later time.

Medical technology has provided many life-saving discoveries over the years, but there is still no substitute for blood. In a medical emergency, often the most important element is the availability of blood. Blood donations can help a variety of individuals: trauma victims, surgery patients, premature babies, individuals with anemia, cancer patients and many more.

You can donate whole blood every 56 days; however, all we ask is for individuals to Commit for Life and donate once every quarter. It takes three easy steps to Commit for Life: