By Elliott Bennett-Guerrero

What Are Blood Transfusions?

IntroductionAn experienced anesthesiologist and perioperative

specialist, Dr. Elliott Bennett-Guerrero recently accepted a position as professor and vice chair for clinical research and innovation at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Complementing his professional work, Dr. Elliott Bennett-Guerrero has written several scholarly articles on blood transfusions in cardiac surgery.

A widely practiced medical procedure, blood transfusions are used to help millions of people each year. Commonly, blood transfusions supplement the blood supplies of those undergoing surgery.

Blood TransfusionsThe procedure is also utilized to save those who

have experienced physical trauma or those who have bleeding disorders such as anemia.

Many people receive blood transfusions from donor blood supplies, which are maintained by blood banks across the country. These donations are carefully tested and matched to the receiving patient. Alternatively, many hospitals offer autologous blood donation services to patients, allowing them to donate their own blood, platelets, or plasma prior to an elective surgical procedure. Autologous blood donation is not available to all patients.