Mayo Clinic is a global leader in patient blood management. Our Patient Blood Management Program seeks to improve the blood health of patients receiving care at Mayo Clinic. This includes the use of evidence-based and patient-centered approaches to prevent and treat conditions that affect blood health, such as anemia and disorders of blood clotting. We seek to understand the patient's preferences and needs so that we can tailor care to each individual. This improves both satisfaction and outcomes.
The multidisciplinary program uses evidence-based strategies to:
- Correct and prevent anemia, a condition that happens when there isn't enough red blood cells.
- Improve the body's ability to form blood clots, called coagulation, when bleeding happens.
- Customize medicine plans based on each person's unique needs.
- Use evidence-based approaches for blood transfusions and alternative therapies that are individualized to each patient's preferences and clinical situation.
- Use advanced interventions to reduce or prevent loss of blood during procedures and hospitalization.
Mayo Clinic's dedicated team of experts offers a wide range of strategies to minimize blood loss and improve red blood cell production. Our approach improves patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes, including shorter hospitalizations, reduced transfusion exposures and fewer adverse events. Our specialists work across all care settings, including outpatient environments and hospitals.
Mayo Clinic's Patient Blood Management Program has achieved the highest level of certification by The Joint Commission and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies. This certification recognizes the program for its excellence in using evidence-based approaches in blood and transfusion care. It highlight the staff's dedication to improving the health and quality of life of patients who need specialized blood care at Mayo Clinic. The certification also validates Mayo Clinic's commitment to a culture of safety and the continual pursuit of excellence in healthcare delivery.
Research and innovation
The Patient Blood Management Program conducts multiple ongoing research projects aimed at continually improving blood health and patient outcomes. Active areas include:
- Anemia management in hospitalized adults. Anemia is common during hospitalization, which may be aggravated by recurrent blood draws. Our team is developing innovative ways to reduce the severity of anemia development during hospitalization.
- Anemia optimization in children and newborns. Our team is studying methods to reduce anemia development in children, particularly in those who need complex surgical care.
- Anemia recovery after surgery and hospitalization. Anemia often persists long after hospitalization. Our team is working on strategies to augment hemoglobin recovery and improve patient functional recovery after hospitalization.
- Bloodless medicine and surgery. Our team is recognized for its excellence in bloodless medicine and surgery. Bloodless medicine and surgery is a method of care that is provided without the use of traditional blood products. We track clinical outcomes for patients undergoing this type of care over time.
- Novel therapeutics for management of coagulopathy, including transfusion alternatives. Mayo Clinic leads research efforts to assess transfusion alternatives that may be used to treat patients with bleeding related to coagulation issues. This includes observational studies and clinical trials.
- Perioperative coagulopathy. Our team assesses risk factors for the development of a bleeding disorder that affects the blood’s ability to form clots (coagulopathy). We also assess strategies to identify and treat the condition more rapidly.
- Phlebotomy practices. Our team leads groundbreaking work to quantify phlebotomy-related blood losses and to develop novel strategies to minimize the frequency and amount of blood needed for laboratory testing.
- Postpartum hemorrhage management. Our team assesses optimal strategies to manage postpartum hemorrhage, including medications, transfusions and transfusion alternatives.
- Preoperative anemia. Our team runs a robust preoperative anemia program, and we study clinical outcomes over time.
- Transfusion optimization. Our Patient Blood Management Program has resulted in sustained reductions in transfusion use over time, information which we continue to track and give to the public.
- Transfusion-related adverse events. Our team has expertise in transfusion-related complications, including transfusion-related respiratory complications. We lead innovative studies to quantify the incidence and identify risk factors.
Services
Preoperative Anemia Clinic
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has specific expertise in caring for patients with anemia, particularly those with upcoming surgeries or invasive procedures. Anemia management is a key pillar of the Patient Blood Management Program.
Anemia is a major risk factor for adverse surgical outcomes. But anemia is readily addressable before surgery with proper diagnosis and treatment. The process begins with an in-person or virtual meeting with one of our experts. Most likely, the expert will order blood tests to help identify the cause of anemia. A member of the healthcare team then reviews your blood test results and puts together a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. The plan may include therapies such as oral or intravenous iron, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, or other medicines. In many cases, recommended treatments can take place in our infusion center, located next to our clinic.
Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has a world-class Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program. The program has specific expertise in caring for people for whom receiving blood is not an option. This often includes people of specific faiths and those with rare blood antigen profiles or multiple blood antibodies.
For people who require bloodless options, the program:
- Improves patient outcomes through individualized care plans that incorporate transfusion alternatives.
- Improves patient experience, such as avoiding last-minute confusion on patient's wishes.
- Provides a forum for healthcare teams to develop complex care plans.
- Incorporates preoperative optimization and anemia and coagulation management tailored to the patient and procedure.
- Reduces the risks associated with blood transfusions.
- Ensures that the wishes of patients are understood and respected.
Our team is available to meet with you in person to discuss your blood health, answer any questions, and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.