Family blood donation for surgery

@bonniejpowell Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Facing surgery can be overwhelming all by itself, and knowing there is a chance you may need a transfusion can put added stress on you. We are not medical professionals here, so if I were you, I would reach out to the medical team at Mayo Jacksonville for their input.

Why do you think you might need a transfusion?
Ginger

Thanks Ginger, I will do that but just thought someone on here might know the policies. I think it is done at the Mayo in Minnesota but cant find anything on the website at Jacksonville. About 10% of people undergoing this surgery need blood and my red blood levels are chronically low, so would rather have his blood on standby if possible since we are compatible 😉 He donates regularly anyway so he is due. If I don't need it then it can still go where it is needed! Thanks, Bonnie P

Many surgeons have a specific nurse that works with them and can fill surgical patients in on preparations such as this. That has been my experience at least. If a specialized nurse/resource is available to you, I'd connect with them if possible. Blood Banks have a lot of rules they must observe when it comes to various donation types, such as Directed. Community donation rules vary from Directed donations in a number of ways. Blood Banks follow ever changing mandates too. My understanding is Directed donations require doctors orders. My experience in California was a Directed donation was reserved for it's designated patient until the unit of blood's self life expired. This may vary from state to state, I have no idea, but found Blood Bank rules have been becoming more universal.