Farooq (48) is a patient with severe chronic kidney disease and requires haemodialysis three times per week. As part of this procedure, it is required that heparin is administered into the dialysis machine to prevent clotting within the machine. You realise that the heparin is derived from pork intestines. Farooq’s profoundly held religious beliefs preclude the consumption of pork. It is very likely that this drug will be present in his blood after the procedure.
The consultant does not want to risk clotting during the procedure as this could be fatal. Without dialysis for the rest of his life he will die. There are no suitable alternatives. The consultant does not want the patient to be told about this as he is worried that Farooq may refuse treatment.