Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery

St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital
7733 East Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI 4821

Contact Karen Scalici, RNC,
313-499-4790.

For many individuals, the use of blood in healthcare procedures is not an option, for reasons that may be religious, philosophical, safety-oriented or simply a matter of personal choice. Our Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery, the only formal program in southeast Michigan, addresses your needs with an array of options that ensure you the best possible care in a way that is right for you.

We've built our technology around your convictions

Bloodless Medicine and Surgery originally grew out of a need to serve a religious preference. As the AIDS epidemic unfolded, concern over the safety of the nation¹s blood supply grew. Today, because of improved screening, HIV transmission is rare. However, even though blood is safer, it still poses a risk. Providing bloodless medicine and surgery includes sophisticated medical technology and advanced knowledge of blood conservation techniques. St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital's Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program uses the newest drugs and techniques that medical technology has to offer. We provide a range of safe and effective therapies, including:

Cell Saver: A device that recovers lost blood during surgery, cleanses it and returns it to the patient in a closed circuit.

Skin Monitor: A device that tracks oxygen levels in the patient's blood during surgery or other procedures without the need of a blood sample.

Volume Expanders: Intravenous fluids used to maintain blood volume.

Synthetic Erythropoietin (EPO) or Procrit: A drug that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, critical in carrying oxygen to the tissue.

Colony Stimulating Factor or Neupogen: A drug that stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells, critical in fighting infection.

Interleukin Eleven or Neumega: A drug that stimulates the bone marrow to produce platelets, critical in controlling or preventing blood loss.

Meet a medical team who shares your ideals

In a world where too many patients are asked to make compromises regarding their healthcare, our bloodless team, that includes physicians, surgeons, nurses and others, are dedicated to medical procedures that meet your needs. Our coordinator, Karen Scalici, RNC, developed the bloodless medicine and surgery program. Available 24 hours a day, she works closely with patients and family members, serving as a personal resource for questions, information and care before, during and after surgery. Karen is a nurse and has specialized in bloodless surgery programs for almost ten years. She serves on the board of directors of the Association for Blood Conservation (ABC) and is the Elected Chair of the Standards Committee and Seminar Committee. She is also a member of the Jehovah¹s Witness faith.

Safe alternatives for many ailments

At St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital, over 25 medical specialties offer bloodless services, including:

For more information: Contact Karen Scalici, RNC,
Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at 313-499-4790.