Patient Blood Management

Patient blood management, or PBM, is a patient-centered approach that helps protect a patient's own blood before, during and after surgery or medical treatment. The goal is to lower the chance of an unnecessary blood transfusion while helping the patient get the safest care possible.

PBM is available at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.

For information, contact the Blood Management Institute at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center at 973-322-2950.

How Patient Blood Management Works

PBM focuses on three key steps to help reduce blood loss and support recovery: improving blood levels before treatment, lowering blood loss during treatment, and supporting recovery after treatment.

Improve Blood Levels Before Treatment

The care team may:

• Check for anemia, which means you have a low red blood cell or hemoglobin level
• Treat low iron, folic acid or vitamin B levels that can lead to low blood counts
• Review and manage any bleeding problems before surgery or treatment

Lower Blood Loss During Treatment

A patient's doctor will review their medicines, vitamins and supplements. Some may increase bleeding or clotting risk and may need to be stopped before surgery. The care team may:

• Use tools, medicines and techniques that help reduce bleeding during surgery
• When possible, your team may take smaller or fewer blood samples for lab testing

Support Recovery After Treatment

To help the body make new blood cells, the patient's doctor may recommend:

• Medicine
• Nutrition
• Support or follow-up care

Benefits of Patient Blood Management

PBM can help reduce the need for blood transfusions, lower possible transfusion risks and support better recovery. It also helps protect the community blood supply so donated blood is available for patients who need it in an emergency.

Blood Transfusion Questions

What are the risks of a blood transfusion?

Blood transfusions are safer than ever, but they still have risks. Most reactions are mild. Your doctor will talk with you about the risks and benefits if a blood transfusion is recommended.

• Mild reactions may include fever, chills, headache, rash or itching. These are often treated with medicine.
• Moderate to severe reactions, such as low blood pressure, trouble breathing, a severe allergy or organ injury, are rare but can be dangerous.
• Infections from transfused blood are extremely rare. Donors and blood products are carefully screened and tested before blood is used in the hospital.

Should I donate my own blood before surgery?

Donating your own blood before surgery is usually not recommended. It can lower your blood levels before surgery and may increase your chance of needing a transfusion.

Will I never need a blood transfusion?

No. There are times when a blood transfusion is the safest choice and may be needed to prevent serious illness or death. If you need a transfusion, your doctor will explain why, review the risks and benefits, and talk about any other options. You have the right to ask questions and take part in decisions about your care.

To learn more, talk with your doctor or contact the Blood Management Institute at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center at 973-322-2950.