A new method of intraoperative blood collection and autotransfusion can be incorporated into an available suction system. It combines systemic heparizinization with immediate extracorporeal citrate phosphate dextrose anticoagulation. Analysis of the autologous blood collected and its recipients indicates that it it is safe. The preservation of platelets, coagulation factors and erythrocyte O2 carrying capacity is better in this autologous blood than in homologous banked units. Potential problems of autotransfusion exist but they are minimized when this system is used.