Should Autologous Blood Transfusion be Rediscovered?

Abstract

With a greater appreciation and understanding of reactions to homologous blood transfusion there has been a renewed interest in autologous blood transfusion. The techniques and indications for preoperative banked autologous blood, perioperative haemodilution and recycled salvaged autologous blood transfusion are described. When circumstances permit, autologous blood transfusion is a safe, economical and efficient alternative to homologous blood.