Conserving blood

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A local hospital is launching a new program as an alternative to transfusion.

Last year, Bronson Methodist Hospital transfused more than 7,000 units of blood, that's about 150 transfusions a week, and consider this, one unit of red blood cells can cost up to $1,000.

In an effort to save money and time, Bronson is plugging its blood conservation techniques, and those techniques are benefiting patients as well.

When it comes to medical care, Marvin Liggins has his mind made up. As a Jehovah's Witness he doesn't believe in blood transfusions.

"We take it very seriously," Liggins said, "it's a deep, heartfelt conviction."

Liggins takes his stance so seriously he carries a signed statement in his wallet that says 'no blood' in big red letters. The stance comes from a single scripture in the Bible, and it's why he and others stay way from blood, particularly red cells and white cells.

His fellow followers have often felt limited in their options on the operating table, until now.

"The more we can limit transfusions of blood, the better outcomes we have for our patients," said Warren Behr, a blood conservation coordinator.

Behr was brought to Bronson to head up its new blood conservation program. Supplies of blood are in high demand, and Behr admits there isn't enough of it.

"Whenever there's a shortage of something, simple economics tells us the price is going to go up," said Behr.

So to cut costs, save the supply, and to also accommodate patients like Liggins, Bronson is offering alternatives to transfusions. Medications that can stop the bleeding and even surgical machines that can recycle the patient's own blood. There is also the Da Vinci robot, a minimally-invasive technique that uses smaller cuts, it's just one of the new options.

"Devices that can cut and simultaneously seal vessels at the same time. We have glues that can stop intra-operative bleeding even on the surface of a dissected organ," Behr said.

Behr calls it more responsible blood management, fewer transfusions means fewer side effects like infections. It's likely the program will also lead to shorter hospital stays.

And for people like Marvin Liggins, it's nothing short of a medical miracle.

"It kind of soothes you somewhat to know that you can go to a hospital where they will respect your wishes and they'll say 'we'll do the best we can to help you recover,'" said Liggins.