Dr. Nancy Van Buren, MD?

Dr. Nancy Van Buren, MD

Pathologist | Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine

737 Pelham Blvd St. Paul MN, 55114 Show map

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About

Dr. Nancy Van Buren is a pathologist practicing in St. Paul, MN. She is a doctor who specializes in pathology with subspecialization in blood banking and transfusion medicine. Pathologists are physicians with specialized training to diagnose medical conditions using laboratory tests performed on blood or fluid samples, and other techniques which involve the examination of cells or tissue removed by biopsy or surgery. They work closely with other healthcare providers to help with the diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and follow up of medical conditions. As a blood banking and transfusion medicine expert, Dr. Van Buren's work at the blood center involves oversight of testing and collection of blood and its components from volunteer blood donors, such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, to help maintain a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in need of transfusion therapy.

Education and Training

University of Minnesota MD 1983

Board Certification

American Board of Pathology

Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine (Pathology)

Anatomic Pathology (Pathology)

Clinical Pathology (Pathology)

Provider Details

Female English

Dr. Nancy Van Buren, MD

Dr. Nancy Van Buren, MD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How long does dizziness after bloodwork last?
Only a small percentage of blood donors experience dizziness with blood donation, but when it occurs it usually resolves within minutes to less than a few hours. In some cases, however, it may last for a day or two. Drinking plenty of fluids for hydration, eating snacks, particularly salty snacks, and a good diet with adequate rest usually helps to alleviate symptoms. If symptoms persist, one should seek medical attention for further evaluation. READ MORE
How much does hemoglobin drop after blood donation?
The hemoglobin may drop 0.5 to 1 gram per deciliter (g/dL) after a donation of red cells, but this depends on the size of the blood donor which affects individual donor response. The hemoglobin is usually corrected within a few weeks as the bone marrow replaces lost red cells. Blood donors are life-savers and should follow post-donation guidelines to donate on a regular basis. READ MORE
How is blood banking impacted by covid-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened chronic issues with nationwide blood shortages. It especially impacted the percentage of younger donors as schools and universities canceled many of their blood drives. Places of employment also faced serious logistical challenges as workers were sent home to work remotely and the no-show rates of scheduled blood donors dramatically increased due to social distancing recommendations and COVID-19 infection or exposure. This resulted in critically low blood inventory levels nationwide with potentially significant consequences for patient care. Blood centers, hospitals, transfusion services, and clinicians worked closely together during this time. Media support also played an important role by raising awareness with the public to help increase blood donations. READ MORE
Are blood transfusions necessary during surgery?
Yes, approximately 11% of the blood supply in the U.S. is transfused to patients undergoing surgery. While many surgical procedures are unlikely to require transfusion, other types of surgery are more complex and associated with a greater risk for bleeding necessitating transfusion. READ MORE
Can anemia go away on its own?
Anemia may go away on its own if the bone marrow is able to regenerate red blood cells to correct the anemia. READ MORE
Blood Born Pathogen Risk--2
It's possible that he could contract a blood-borne infection (such as HIV or hepatitis) if a cut or abrasion came into direct contact with blood from a person with such an infection. It may help to contact the mail carrier to find out if they have any known infection to determine the risk, and report to your physician or healthcare provider for any necessary testing and follow up. READ MORE
Can anemia be diagnosed with a blood test?
Yes, there are a number of different blood tests, including the hemoglobin and hematocrit, which would confirm a diagnosis of anemia. READ MORE
Where is blood taken after a crime scene?
It would be coordinated through the Medical Examiner's office involved with the investigation. Hope that helps! READ MORE
Do varicose vein treatments use blood from blood banks?
No, I've never personally encountered a situation where transfusion was needed for varicose vein treatment. Hope that helps! READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine

Faculty Titles & Positions

medical director and CLIA laboratory director Memorial Blood Centers -
Consultant NYBC enterprises -
Transfusion Services Co-Medical Director Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare HCMC -

Awards

America's Top Physicians 2007 Consumers' Research Council of America
America's Top Physicians 2006 Consumers' Research Council of America
Dr. Herbert F. Polesky award 2013 Memorial Blood Centers
Consumers’ Research Council of America in their “Guide to America’s Top Physicians” Year

Professional Memberships

College of American Pathologists
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Minnesota Association of Blood Banks
American Association of Blood Banks
Minnesota Society of Pathologists
Fellow of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the College of American Pathologists

Fellowships

University of Minnesota blood banking and transfusion medicine 1988

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), America’s Blood Centers (ABC), and the Minnesota Association of Blood Banks
University of Minnesota
Children's MN
Hennepin Healthcare
Mayo Clinic
Memorial Blood Centers

Fellowships

University of Minnesota, Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine, 1987-1988

Professional Society Memberships

Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, American Society for Clinical Pathology, Minnesota Association of Blood Banks

Articles and Publications

She has done talks, presentations and webinars for various organizations.

What do you attribute your success to?

Her passion for medicine. The need to take care of others and the ability to make a direct impact on her patients.

Areas of research

Blood Donor Safety, Donor Hemovigilance, Immunohematology, Red Cell Genotyping, Transfusion Therapy

Dr. Nancy Van Buren, MD's Practice location

Memorial Blood Centers, division of NYBC

737 Pelham Blvd -
St. Paul, MN 55114

Get Direction

New patients: 612-978-0816

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

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Media Releases

Get to know Pathologist and Transfusion Medicine Specialist, Dr. Nancy Van Buren, who serves patients throughout the State of Minnesota.

Nancy Van Buren, MD is a board certified pathologist with subspecialty certification in blood banking and transfusion medicine. As a seasoned pathologist, she has a broad spectrum of experience in both blood center and hospital-based practices. She recently retired as a medical director and CLIA laboratory director at Memorial Blood Centers in Minnesota with associated medical director responsibilities at affiliated blood centers in Nebraska and Kansas City, divisions of New York Blood Center (NYBC). She is currently a consultant for NYBC enterprises and holds staff privileges at Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare HCMC where she served as Transfusion Services Co-Medical Director.

Dr. Van Buren obtained her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1983, completed her residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at Regions Hospital in 1987, and went on to complete a fellowship in blood banking and transfusion medicine at the University of Minnesota in 1988.

She is board certified through the American Board of Pathology (ABPath). The mission of the ABPath is to promote the health of the public and advance the practice and science of pathology by establishing voluntary certification standards and assessing the qualifications of those seeking to practice the specialty of pathology.

Professionally, she is a Fellow of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the College of American Pathologists. During her career, she has served in multiple physician leadership positions, volunteering time for committee work with local, regional, and national professional organizations, including the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), America’s Blood Centers (ABC), and the Minnesota Association of Blood Banks. She is enthusiastic about promoting the cause of blood donation and healthcare equity, and is a firm believer in education for the next generation of pathologists and medical laboratory professionals. She is an author of over 40 published journal articles and abstracts, 12 Blood Bulletins circulated by ABC, and 6 book chapters related to blood banking and transfusion medicine. Among previous honors and awards, she was recognized by the Consumers’ Research Council of America in their “Guide to America’s Top Physicians” in 2006 and 2007.

On a more personal note, Dr. Van Buren attributes her success to her passion for the science of medicine, and her dedication and ability to make a positive and direct impact on patient care.