Autologous Donation
Fit patients undergoing specified planned surgery
may be able to donate their own blood a number
of weeks prior to surgery. This can then be given
back to them during or after surgery if needed.
This is called an autologous donation. Arrangements
can be made to provide this facility to through
your Consultant and the IBTS. If more blood is
needed, you may have to receive volunteer donor
blood along with your own.
Directed Donation
When relatives or friends donate blood for a patient it is
called directed donation. This facility is not available
in Ireland or in most European countries. Research has
shown that carefully selected volunteer donations are safer
than directed donations.
Further Information
If you have any concerns or questions in relation to blood
transfusions ask your Clinical Nurse Manager to contact
the Haemovigilance Officer, who is available to give you
the information you need. Alternatively, speak to your
nurse or doctor.
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