Autologous blood Transfusion Techniques:
AutoIogous Blood
The blood of a person himself is called as autologous blood. Usually, 3 to 4 units of patient’s own blood are taken 4 to 6 weeks before surgery but hematocrit should not be allowed to fall below 35% and hemoglobin less than 11 g%. The patient’s blood is transfused back intraoperatively.
Risk of infections and hemolytic reactions can be avoided with this technique.
The autologous blood is very safe because, the blood belongs to the person himself and hence no risk of blood reactions or transfer of blood borne infections like Hepatitis and AIDS.
Normovolemic Hemodilution
Blood is removed just prior to surgery and volume replaced with crystalloid or colloid. Blood can be transfused back whenever necessary. This is done for surgeries where there is a risk of a lot of blood loss and compatible blood id not available.
Blood Salvage and Reinfusion
Patient’s lost blood is saved (salvaged) in container, processed and transfused back.
Blood should not be salvaged if it is infected or contains malignant cells. Other relative contraindications are sickle cell disease, patients suffering from coronary heart disease or cyanotic heart disease, and if the likelihood of requirement of blood is less than 10%.