Download Antibodies and surgery

2011
Antibodies and
Surgery
Looking for more health information?
Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazine articles and online health information.
For a list of public libraries in Nova Scotia go to HTTP://publiclibraries.ns.ca
Capital Health promotes a smoke-free and scent-free environment.
Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you!
Capital Health, Nova Scotia
www.cdha.nshealth.ca
Approved by: Perioperative Blood Management Services, Halifax ©
Designed and Printed by: Capital Health Audio Visual and Printing Departments
The information in this brochure is provided for information and education purposes only.
The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice.
If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider.
WH85-1404 Created Oct.2011
The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.
Antibodies and Surgery
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are proteins made
by your body’s system that
protects you from disease.
They attack and destroy
foreign matter, like germs
that may enter your body.
Once your body has made
antibodies, some of them will
stay in your blood for the rest of your life.
Why does your body make antibodies?
A number of things can cause
you to make antibodies:
• You have come into contact
with the virus or bacteria.
• You have had a blood
transfusion before.
• Some diseases that make
your body attack itself like
lupus, arthritis or Crohn’s
disease.
• Pregnancy.
How do you test for antibodies?
A blood test can be used to test for
antibodies. Your health care provider will
take a blood sample. It will be sent to a
lab where it will be tested for antibodies.
There may be a delay in surgery until the
right match is found.
I have antibodies. What does that mean?
Many people have antibodies. They do not cause
problems.
• If you need surgery, please tell your health care
provider that you have antibodies when you come to
the hospital.
• If you have antibodies, your family doctor will give you
an “antibody card” to carry in your wallet.
Antibodies, Surgery & Blood Transfusions
If you have antibodies, a blood sample will need to be
drawn three days before your surgery. We do this to make
sure that there is well-matched blood ready for you
should you need it for your surgery.
Antibodies and Surgery
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are proteins made
by your body’s system that
protects you from disease.
They attack and destroy
foreign matter, like germs
that may enter your body.
Once your body has made
antibodies, some of them will
stay in your blood for the rest of your life.
Why does your body make antibodies?
A number of things can cause
you to make antibodies:
• You have come into contact
with the virus or bacteria.
• You have had a blood
transfusion before.
• Some diseases that make
your body attack itself like
lupus, arthritis or Crohn’s
disease.
• Pregnancy.
How do you test for antibodies?
A blood test can be used to test for
antibodies. Your health care provider will
take a blood sample. It will be sent to a
lab where it will be tested for antibodies.
There may be a delay in surgery until the
right match is found.
I have antibodies. What does that mean?
Many people have antibodies. They do not cause
problems.
• If you need surgery, please tell your health care
provider that you have antibodies when you come to
the hospital.
• If you have antibodies, your family doctor will give you
an “antibody card” to carry in your wallet.
Antibodies, Surgery & Blood Transfusions
If you have antibodies, a blood sample will need to be
drawn three days before your surgery. We do this to make
sure that there is well-matched blood ready for you
should you need it for your surgery.
2011
Antibodies and
Surgery
Looking for more health information?
Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazine articles and online health information.
For a list of public libraries in Nova Scotia go to HTTP://publiclibraries.ns.ca
Capital Health promotes a smoke-free and scent-free environment.
Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you!
Capital Health, Nova Scotia
www.cdha.nshealth.ca
Approved by: Perioperative Blood Management Services, Halifax ©
Designed and Printed by: Capital Health Audio Visual and Printing Departments
The information in this brochure is provided for information and education purposes only.
The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice.
If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider.
WH85-1404 Created Oct.2011
The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.