Glossary

A protein fraction derived from donated blood plasma. Used to maintain blood volume and oncotic pressure.

From a donor — another person. Allogeneic blood transfusion uses donated blood from someone else.

A condition where blood lacks adequate red blood cells or hemoglobin. Can be treated with iron, EPO, and dietary changes without transfusion.

From oneself. Autologous procedures use the patient's own blood, not blood from a donor.

Heart surgery techniques that minimize or eliminate the need for transfusion, including miniaturized bypass circuits and RAP.

A technique that collects blood lost during surgery, washes and filters it, then returns it to the patient. No donor blood involved.

An autotransfusion device that collects, washes, and returns a patient's own blood during surgery. Made by Haemonetics and others.

Specific proteins extracted from plasma that help blood clot. Essential for treating hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

A synthetic hormone that promotes clotting by releasing von Willebrand factor. Used to reduce bleeding in certain surgical settings.

How bloodless care directives apply in emergency and trauma scenarios. Communication with first responders and ER staff.

A hormone that stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells. Used preoperatively to build hemoglobin levels before surgery.

Religious and conscientious considerations in blood-related medical decisions. Some faiths distinguish between primary components and fractions.

Blood fractions are smaller derivatives of primary components. Whether to accept them is considered a personal conscience decision by many.

Blood is circulated through an external machine (cardiopulmonary bypass) during cardiac surgery. The patient's own blood is used throughout.

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Normal range is 36-54%. A key metric in blood management.

Blood is drawn immediately before surgery and replaced with IV fluids. The blood is returned to the patient after surgery, reducing the loss of concentrated blood.

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin (anemia) is the primary trigger for transfusion.

The process of stopping bleeding. Surgical hemostasis techniques (electrocautery, topical agents) reduce blood loss during procedures.

Antibody proteins extracted from donated plasma. Used to boost immune response or treat autoimmune conditions.

Oral or intravenous iron supplementation to treat or prevent anemia. Often used alongside EPO for preoperative optimization.

Advance directives, durable power of attorney, and patient rights regarding blood refusal. Varies by jurisdiction.

A smaller cardiopulmonary bypass system that reduces hemodilution and the need for transfusion during cardiac surgery.

Concentrated red blood cells separated from whole blood. The most commonly transfused blood component.

An evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to optimizing the care of patients who might need transfusion. Endorsed by the WHO since 2010.

Bloodless surgery and treatment approaches adapted for children, with special considerations for smaller blood volumes.

The liquid portion of blood containing proteins, clotting factors, and antibodies.

Cell fragments that help blood clot. Often given to patients with low platelet counts or active bleeding.

Techniques and protocols to minimize blood loss during surgery: controlled hypotension, meticulous hemostasis, cell salvage, and hemodilution.

A point-of-care device that measures clotting function in real time, guiding targeted treatment instead of empiric transfusion.

An antifibrinolytic drug that prevents blood clots from breaking down, reducing surgical bleeding by 25-30%.

Non-blood strategies for managing anemia and blood loss: volume expanders, EPO, iron therapy, antifibrinolytics, and surgical techniques.

Adverse effects of blood transfusion including infections, immune reactions, transfusion-related lung injury (TRALI), and iron overload.

Non-blood IV fluids (saline, Ringer's lactate, dextran, hetastarch) used to maintain blood volume without transfusion.

Complete donated blood containing all components — red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma.