If I donate blood for use by a friend or family member undergoing surgery (“directed donation”), what happens to it if its not needed?
Directed donations such as these, since they undergo the same rigorous screening and testing as volunteer donations, are available for general use but must be labeled as coming from a directed donor. Some blood centers, concerned that such donations are less safe, discourage such “crossover” by hospitals.
Related Questions
- I am scheduled for total joint replacement surgery and may need a blood transfusion. Should I donate my own blood (autologous donation)?
- If I donate blood for use by a friend or family member undergoing surgery ("directed donation"), what happens to it if its not needed?
- Can a patient be given O Positive blood during surgery if the family is not able to arrange the donation of required blood group?
