Autologous transfusions. Experience in a community blood center

Abstract

Review of the clinical records of 103 patients participating in a community blood bank-sponsored autologous transfusion program confirmed the safety of autologous blood and the practicality of such a community-centered program. There were no transfusion reactions, increased morbidity, or reports of hepatitis among the autologous donor-patients. A previously unobserved phenomenon was that surgeons tended to transfuse less blood to patients who had autologous blood available, rarely exceeding the number donated, although this varied from 1-3 units for similar surgery. Only 8 of the 103 patients intentionally received a transfusion with homologous blood in addition to their autologously donated blood. Patients, their physicians and the blood bank can all benefit substantially from such a program.