Blood transfusions have never been safer. New techniques, knowledge and tests make the risk of infection from transfusion extremely low. Yale-New Haven Hospital, the American Red Cross and others employ sophisticated technology to make blood transfusions as safe as possible.
Although the risks of complications from transfusions are low, your own blood is safest for you. That's why some people donate their own blood prior to elective surgery, a procedure known as autologous donation. For more information on donating your own blood prior to undergoing surgery, please call 203.789.3071. For general information about the blood bank, please call 203.789.4010.