Laboratory and pathology services

Autologus blood program

If you are having elective surgery, you should talk to your surgeon about our autologous blood program. If there is a possibility that you may need blood during your surgery, your surgeon may recommend that you donate up to 4 units of your own blood during the month before your surgery is scheduled.

The program requirements are:

1. You must be scheduled for elective surgery.
2. Your surgeon must provide a written laboratory order for the number of units you are to donate.
3. You will be required to sign an informed consent form prior to donation in the lab.
4. A blood count test will be performed on the day of each donation.
5. The Medical Director of the lab may recommend that you take iron tablets if you donate 3 or more units during the month.
6. Regardless of the number of units donated, the Medical Director of the lab recommends that you take a multiple vitamin with folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 each day during the month prior to your surgery.

For more information, contact Barbara Keatts, Blood Bank Supervisor at (434) 517-3178.