Blood transfusion choices: Total knee replacement surgery

If you need a blood transfusion, the blood can be obtained from one of these three types of blood donations:

Allogenic: Blood may come from any healthy adult. Blood collection agencies carefully screen donors and test blood. Potential donors who do not qualify are not allowed to donate. Blood that tests positive for any disease is thrown away and the donor is contacted.
Autologous: You may donate your own blood before scheduled surgery. Your doctor will make sure it is safe to donate. If you qualify, you may donate within 6 weeks and up to 72 hours before scheduled surgery. Follow any instructions your doctor gives you.
Directed: A family member or friend with the same blood type may donate blood just for you. He or she is screened and tested just like general donors. There is no evidence that blood from donors you choose is safer than the blood available from general donors.

If you choose to donate your own blood, you will need to make an appointment by calling the:

American Red Cross*
St. Paul Regional Blood Service
100 S. Robert Street
St. Paul, Minn. 55107
651-291-4606 Memorial Blood Centers
Central Donor Center
737 Pelham Boulevard
St. Paul, Minn. 55114
1-888-GIVE-BLD

* If you live outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, please have your local blood bank send your donation to the American Red Cross.