Bloodless Medicine

The Roper St. Francis Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program is the oldest program of its kind in the Southeast, dating back to 1995 and the only program in our region. The majority of our doctors participate in our Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program. Our doctors understand the responsibility for treating patients who refuse blood and blood products.

Many people do not want blood transfusions, either for religious or personal reasons. The Roper St. Francis Bloodless Medicine and Surgery team understands and respects this choice. Our dedicated doctors can perform virtually every surgical procedure without the use of blood or blood products.

patient

About our program

Participation in the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program is determined individually on a case by case basis and not all non-blood alternatives may be available to all patients.

If you know that you will be a patient at a Roper St. Francis Healthcare facility in the near future, please review this information:

  • Discuss with your surgeon at your pre-op visit your desire to be a bloodless patient and your desire to refuse blood and blood products.
  • During your pre-admission testing call, advise the pre-admission testing nurse of your desire to be a Bloodless Medicine patient or, if appropriate, that you are a Jehovah’s Witness.
  • For Jehovah’s Witnesses: Update and include your “No Blood” Healthcare Power of Attorney with the documents that you are asked to bring to the hospital.
  • See your primary care doctor on an annual basis to ensure optimal levels for a healthy blood count.
  • Upon admission, let your nurse know that you wish to be part of the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program.
  • Please note that non-blood alternatives are determined individually on a case by case basis.

The program is supported by the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Advisory Council made up of the Bloodless Medicine Medical Director, doctors representing numerous surgical specialties as well as hematology and oncology, a dedicated coordinator and representatives from nursing, perfusion, pharmacy, legal and the laboratory.

For more information on the Roper St. Francis Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program or for a referral to a participating doctor call the Coordinator at (843) 724-2399.

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