Blood Products

We respect the right of a patient to choose the option to refuse a blood transfusion, even as a life-saving intervention. In the event a patient declines a blood transfusion, the physician will thoroughly counsel the patient regarding the risks of refusal of blood products, up to and including the risk of death, while respecting the patient’s autonomy to make such decision. The physician will also thoroughly discuss alternative blood product options that may be acceptable to the patient. The patient’s acceptance or refusal of transfusion of blood and/or alternative blood products will be documented in the medical record in order to ensure that the patient’s wishes are accurately represented.