header
  Search CBBS Website


Managing routine requests for autologous donation by surgeons for the purpose of obtaining the result of a patient's HIV test before surgery

A transfusion medicine physician in the Southeastern USA requests suggestions from others regarding how best to deal with an orthopedic surgeon who orders at least one unit of autologous RBCs on every patient for whom surgery is scheduled, openly admitting that the blood order is done to get HIV test results before the operation. In addition, the surgeon insists on being provided with written documentation of negative HIV test results before operating. The transfusion medicine physician is planning on discontinuing notification of the surgeon when his patient's HIV test is negative, because he believes that if the surgeon wants to know the results of this test he should discuss the situation with his patient and order the test from a clinical laboratory. The transfusion medicine physician acknowledges that his center will continue to notify physicians whenever an autologous patient has a positive infectious disease marker, so that the patient can be counseled as necessary. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Please submit comments to the e-Network Forum.

Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator
Printable PDF of this page


Posted: October 7, 2004

Addenda:

The e-Network Forum is supported in part by the California Blood Bank Society (CBBS) and the American Red Cross Blood Services (ARCBS) and endorses collegial discussion among blood banking and transfusion medicine professionals. However, neither the CBBS nor the ARCBS in any way endorse the specific views and opinions expressed in the forum. The forum is not intended as a substitute for medical or legal advice and the content should not be relied upon for any medical or legal purposes. Readers should make their own determinations as to: (i) what constitutes appropriate medical, technical, and administrative practices, and (ii) how best to comply with laws and regulations relevant to their questions. For the latter, they should consider consulting, as to any medical matters, a qualified physician, and, as to any legal matters, an attorney familiar with related state and federal laws. The user of the forum, by accessing same, assumes all risks arising out of such use and releases CBBS and their respective members, directors, officers and agents from and against any loss, damage, claim or liability arising out of such use of the Forum.