Bringing blood to Germany for ADR surgery

[JeffreyD]

Greetings,
Has anyone provided their own blood (other than what's already 'under the hood'!) to Germany for ADR surgery in case of transfusion necessity?
If so, how did you arrange it?

Thanks!
Jeff

[queenofhearts]

I don't know of anyone who has done that, but it doesn't mean it can't be done. The first thing you might want to do is talk to the airlines and see what their requirements are for carrying what is considered a "bio-hazard" or "biologic fluid". They may have some specific packaging and/or other requirements. You'd also have to figure out how to keep it refrigerated for the flight.

If you went over ahead of schedule, there might be time to donate a unit or two of your own blood prior to surgery - you'd have to check with the surgeon.

[Alastair]

The Alphaklinik talk about this and mention there are special firms who do this. I didn`t but there is someone out there who has an arrangement - -- its dig a little deeper.Your surgeon in Europe will know and maybe a hospital in your country
Best
Alastair

[JeffreyD]

Thanks......
My prospective European surgeon has suggested to check with blood transfusion organizations (Red Cross?) in America, so that's what I'll do. Just thought maybe someone out there had done this. I remember reading over the years that some ADR patients did require blood transfusions while in Germany, though I am sure it is rare.
Just want to cover the bases.....
Jeff

[Justin]

Jeff,

I needed a transfusion after surgery with Dr. Bertagnoli as my RBC was low. A person that had surgery the same day as me looked into bringing some of her blood over. She said that she had trouble, but I forget exactly why. Anyway, she was unable to bring her own blood over for some reason.

I would definitely look into the American Red Cross and they should know the exact protocol to do so.

Good luck,

Justin

[Poncho]

Hi Jeffrey,

I run anemic all the time. Usually around 10mg/dl. Normal for women is usually 12-14mg/dl. Before I went over, I asked my docs to give me prenatal vitamins & prescription strength iron to build up my blood levels. I had minimal blood loss and luckily did not require a blood transfusion. You may want to ask your doc regarding prescription strength supplementation before going over. I did this about 1 month prior to surgery.

I think the best way to pull this off would be to get to Europe early and donate like atleast 1 1/2 weeks in advance for your surgery. It will be difficult to keep the blood in the necessary conditions to keep it good during travel. The Red Cross and their guidelines are VERY strict!!!

[Carmont]

When I had my surgery in Germany in November, I awoke in the recovery room to a large bag of blood being delivered to me. It turns out that it was my own blood that was recovered during surgery. My blood that was lost during surgery was vacuumed out, retrieved and put through a cleansing machine then given back to me post-op.
I had never heard of this being done here before - maybe it is now. It is commonly done at Stenum. Seems like a good idea, except for possible contamination in the machine that processes the blood to be given back. I didn't feel like asking about the contamination at the time and it didn't matter after the fact.... Just a FYI. Carmont

[JeffreyD]

Thanks for the help. Poncho, I will definitely talk to my doctor about building up my blood to prepare for the surgery. Carmont, I had never heard of that before, but it does make sense.
It occurs to me now that my wife and I are compatible blood-wise, and she could "donate" a pint before my surgery.
I'll let you all know what I find out.
Thanks,
Jeff

[Poncho]

Carmont,

That's right - they do that over here in the US too!!! It is called auto-transfusion. I have done that on a few patients (years ago). I don't know the exact process how they collect the blood in the OR - but I do know they would have us nurses put something in the blood to keep it from clotting or going bad - but I can't remember the name of it.

Atleast, it is another option for Jeffrey to think about.

Thanks Carmont - I totally forgot about that.

[Carmont]

Poncho,
Thank you for term. I just love nurses!!!! Worlds of care and information.