Re: Donating Blood

> When my wife went into hospital two years ago she had a great fear of
> needing transfusions that she wanted to "donate" her own blood before
> the surgery. The hospital assured her that it was not necessary. The
> risk of contacting a donor's disease was almost non-existent. So, she
> decided not to donate.

What, if anything, did your wife's surgeon suggest?

When I had Total Hip Replacement surgery in 2000 and 2007,
I listened to my surgeon and made autologous both times.


> Following surgery she needed 3 units of blood because of
> complications. So far so good. But when the hospital totaled
> up and submitted their bill, they stuck the insurance company
> for 3 units of blood @ $185 per unit. Wasn't/isn't there
> something about an agreement with the American Red Cross,
> that a donor would not be charged for blood?

Was that a charge for blood, or a processing charge?

Generally, individual and family donar plans do not charge
for the actual blood when needed, but will charge for the
FDA's required processing (lab work) and paperwork.

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