I found some interesting links and the greatest threat at times for blood transfusion is human mistakes. I am still chasing after information on how best to inform the patient as to alternatives and choices, including no blood, and the dearth of easy to access information is concerning in my research (and to me personally).

One transplantation MD that I have class with gave me a nice link with informing the patient.

I hope that some of the visitors to this site will find this information useful - from a UK perspective.

www.leambloodtransfusion.org.uk

The Handbook of Transfusion Medicine [4th ed] (2006)
Professional guidelines for transfusion and for the collection , testing , processing of blood and tissues.
BCSH Guidelines for the use of blood components
BCSH Guidelines Home Page
SIGN: Perioperative Blood Transfusion for Elective Surgery (2001)
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)
Serious Hazards of Transfusion
SERIOUS HAZARDS OF TRANSFUSION