BOF: Transfusion (Special Requirements)

Which of the following is not an acceptable alternative to blood transfusion for the Jehovah’s Witness undergoing elective surgery? Clearly it remains paramount to establish the individual’s opinion of any technique, regardless of published guidelines.

a) Albumin preparations for haemodilution

b) Autologous pre-donation of red cells

c) Intraoperative red cell salvage

d) Recombinant activated factor VIIa

e) Recombinant human erythropoietin

Answer:

Autologous pre-donation of red cells

Explanation:

All available alternatives should be considered prior to elective surgery that may require blood transfusion in a Jehovah’s Witness. Autologous pre-donation is not acceptable to most.

Reference:

Code of Practice for the Surgical Management of Jehovah's Witnesses. Royal College of Surgeons of England 2002.