This is an important PSA on Blood Donation and Transfusion
If someone you love is having surgery and may need a blood transfusion isn’t vaccinated and wishes to have non-vaccinated blood only. It is risky to chance the public blood supply at this point. You will literally be playing Russian Roulette.
YOU can donate specifically for them.
The hospital may tell you, “Oh we don’t do that” or “They stopped that service.” (This is what they told me when my aunt was having a hip replaced.)
Wrong.
Call the Red Cross. ASK to speak with someone about doing an Autologous / Directed Donation. You must be a type match. You must do it a minimum of 10 days prior.
CLICK Here to learn more direction on the Red Cross website: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/types-of-blood-donations/autologous-and-directed-donations.html#:~:text=A%20directed%20donation%20occurs%20when,his%20or%20her%20upcoming%20procedure.
Sarah
I am due for a knee replacement any time now. I have donated 125 pints of blood throughout my life. Asked the doctor if I could have my own blood stored before the procedure and she said no. They don’t do it any longer. My blood is classified rare. I live in Calgary, Canada. What would be your advise? Thanks.
If you have a local red cross chapter contact them directly. Bypass your doctor. They may not even know it is available. Get the info yourself and inform them. If they still won’t agree, find a new doctor!