What are the possible alternatives to blood transfusion?

When getting ready for an operation, the need for blood transfusion can be decreased or avoided by careful planning. However, using blood conservation strategies does not rule out the possibility of needing a blood transfusion.

Before an operation, the Perioperative Blood Conservation Program (PBCP) tactics include:

1. Iron

   An Iron Healthy Diet

Iron Supplements
IV (Intravenous) Iron



2. ESAs (Erythropoesis Stimulating Agents)
   
   

3. Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation (PAD)

Each of these methods will be reviewed, often more than one tactic is used.