Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program

What is bloodless medicine and surgery?

The Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program at Lankenau Medical Center, just outside of Philadelphia, is one of only a few in the region developed to support patients interested in quality care without the use of blood or blood products, based on personal/moral preferences or safety concerns. Main Line Health recognizes and respects a patient's right to quality health care with optimum outcomes, and offers treatment plans when a blood transfusion is not an acceptable option.

Bloodless medicine and surgery is the use of safe and proven medical and surgical techniques in order to reduce or eliminate the need for a blood transfusion. We offer a variety of methods for blood management with many health care experts who work collaboratively to support patients throughout their care. Bloodless medicine consultants are available 24/7 to support and advocate for patients during their hospital stay, ensuring that patients receive only those services and products for which they consent.

Advantages of bloodless medicine and surgery

• Reduced exposure to blood-borne diseases from donor blood
• Lower risk for hospital-acquired infections
• Shortened length of hospital stay

Lankenau Medical Center is one of only a few hospitals in the region to offer a bloodless medicine and surgery program that uses safe and proven medical treatment and minimally invasive surgical techniques that are considered blood-sparing.

How does the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program work?

The Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program at Lankenau Medical Center uses a dedicated team of consultants to facilitate care for patients who have indicated their decision to not accept blood products during treatment. Features of this type of managed care include:

• Respect for the patient's decision and support throughout treatment and care
• Review of past medical history
• Identification of contributing factors for potential anemia
• Nutrition consultation to build blood volume
• Consideration of minimally invasive approaches for surgical procedures
• Review of all over-the-counter and prescription medications and herbal supplements
• Care by medical and nursing staff who are educated in bloodless medicine protocols in a large variety of specialties

The Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program offers many other amenities that are individualized for each patient. Electronic medical records enable each provider who cares for the patient to easily recognize participation in the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program, thus ensuring continuity of care. 

The Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program is founded on extensive research, evidence-based practice and successful outcomes over many years and specialties, enabling us to provide the best health care to meet your immediate and long-term needs.