<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.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.  <response>: Hi, What do you mean by port? Is it a dialysis catheter or is he planned for AV fistula? If its a dialysis catheter, According to recent transfusion guidelines, a He. count above 8 for CKD patient, as your friend, and platelet count above 20,000CCMM dont need any prior transfusions. If AV fistula is planned, most of the surgeons dont operate at He. above 9 and platelet count above 100,000common can discuss on this matter with your physician. Regards 