Autologous transfusion is playing an important role in modern transfusion medicine. At San Martino hospital we use a combination of manual and mechanical techniques in order to improve autotransfusion procedures, control the hypertransfusion and avoid waste.
Our autotransfusion program has determined a 55% reduction in the red cell concentrates used (from 42,000 in 1985 down to 19,400 in 1992). Proper training, cultural improvements and new applications on autotransfusion procedures will permit a better use of blood with less transfusion related complications, until a suitable substitute for blood will be available.
TorreG.C., FerrariM.L'emotrasfusione nel paziente oncologico.Atti del 93° Congresso della Società Italiana di Chirurgia.Firenze, 15-19 ottobre 1991; 51–6.
2.
FerrariM., ValbonesiM.A new technique for hemodilution, preparation of autologous platelet-rich plasma and intraoperative blood salvage in cardiac surgery.Int J Artif Organs1987; 10: 47–50.
BlumbergN., HealJ.M.Transfusion and host defense against cancer recurrence and infection.Transfusion1989; 29: 236–45.
5.
LindenJ.V.A report of 104 transfusion errors in New York State.Transfusion1992.
6.
Council of Europe. Guidelines for Autologous Blood Transfusion. A consensus opinion of the Committee of Experts on blood Transfusion and Immunohematology.Vox Sang1989; 57: 278–80.
7.
BullB.S.The salvaged blood syndrome: a sequel to mechanochemical activation of platelets and leukocyte?Blood Cells1990; 16: 5–23.
8.
ValbonesiM.Intraoperative blood salvage: a new trend in blood transfusion medicine.Int J Artif Organs1990; 13: 3–10.
9.
BennettS.Effects of autotransfusion on blood elements.Am J Surg1975; 124: 273–9.
