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CD-ROM Today 1996 January
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01897.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK01897}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Can My Blood be Used in My Husband's Surgery?}
$Subject{Blood Surgery surgeries transfusion transfusions danger dangers
hazard hazards hazardous taint tainted safe safest safety autologous operation
operations body compatible immune react reaction reactions bank virus viruses
test tested testing AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome HIV human
immunodeficiency contaminate contaminated contamination direct directed
donation donations}
$Volume{}
$Log{
AIDS is not Spread by Casual Contact*0001004.scf}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Can My Blood be Used in My Husband's Surgery?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: My husband is to have surgery in a few weeks, and if he needs a
transfusion, I want to be sure he gets blood that is safe. We have heard so
much about the dangers of getting tainted blood, that I have decided to donate
a pint of blood to be used only for my husband. Can I do that, and do you
think it is a good idea? Thanks for helping.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: It is not a bad idea, but there are some things you might wish to
consider. The safest, and perhaps the best transfusion, is one in which the
patient's own blood is used. Its called an "autologous" transfusion, and
consists of blood that is obtained in advance of the operation from the
patient. It is obtained enough time in advance so that the body can replenish
its quantity of blood before the operation. It has the added advantage of
being totally compatible, so that no adverse immune reactions will occur.
Your blood would be "safe", but it is also necessary that it match your
husband's blood type to avoid any reactions. You can be tested for that now,
to be sure. When blood is taken from the "bank" it is very safe, since it has
been tested for the presence of viruses with new and improved techniques.
Still there is a chance (about 1 in 225,000) of AIDS virus contamination
despite all precautions. You can specify your blood is to be used for your
husband (directed donation) if it is a good match, but it won't be without
expense. The fee for processing your blood can be as high as $95, with
autologous transfusions costing about $25 less. Check with your own hospital
for more information about fees and procedures.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.