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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.