Some surgeries do require the patient to donate blood if possible. If your physician requests blood donation, this can be done any time within 35 days of the surgical date. The number of units that can be donated prior to surgery will be discussed with the patient by their physician. When units of blood are donated, the patient's blood levels are monitored prior to each donation in order to assure the patient's safety.

If the patient cannot donate his or her own blood, a designated donor, usually a family member or relative, may donate blood for the patient. This is done through the Red Cross Blood Donor Centers and the units then transported to the hospital for the patient's use.

If a patient is unable to donate blood and there is no designated donor, the patient will receive blood from the hospital Blood Bank if necessary. The hospital follows universal guidelines in screening blood and blood products to ensure the patient's safety as much as possible in this situation.