<s>[INST] Hey a friend of mine is getting ready to have an emergency surgery (putting a port for dialysis) and my friend does not want blood given. I am trying to research options for what a Doctor can do to thicken blood. What is the lowest the blood count should be? Sorry so many questions, I just want to help my friend. [/INST] Hi, What do you mean by "port"? Is it a dialysis catheter or is he planned for AV fistula? If it's a dialysis catheter, According to recent transfusion guidelines, a He. count above 8 (for CKD patient, as your friend), and platelet count above 20,000/CCMM don't need any prior transfusions. If AV fistula is planned, most of the surgeons don't operate at He. above 9 and platelet count above 100,000/common can discuss on this matter with your physician. Regards </s>