An experienced anesthesiologist and perioperative specialist, Dr. Elliott Bennett-Guerrero recently accepted a position as professor and vice chair for clinical research and innovation at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Complementing his professional work, Dr. Elliott Bennett-Guerrero has written several scholarly articles on blood transfusions in cardiac surgery.

1. By Elliott Bennett-Guerrero
What Are Blood Transfusions?

2. Introduction
 An experienced anesthesiologist and
perioperative specialist, Dr. Elliott Bennett-
Guerrero recently accepted a position as
professor and vice chair for clinical research and
innovation at Stony Brook University School of
Medicine. Complementing his professional work,
Dr. Elliott Bennett-Guerrero has written several
scholarly articles on blood transfusions in cardiac
surgery.
A widely practiced medical procedure, blood
transfusions are used to help millions of people
each year. Commonly, blood transfusions
supplement the blood supplies of those
undergoing surgery.

3. Blood Transfusions
 The procedure is also utilized to save those who
have experienced physical trauma or those who
have bleeding disorders such as anemia.
Many people receive blood transfusions from
donor blood supplies, which are maintained by
blood banks across the country. These donations
are carefully tested and matched to the receiving
patient. Alternatively, many hospitals offer
autologous blood donation services to patients,
allowing them to donate their own blood,
platelets, or plasma prior to an elective surgical
procedure. Autologous blood donation is not
available to all patients.