[The feasibility of preoperative autologous blood donation in children]

Abstract

According to the experience to date, autologous blood donation is feasible in children and is not accompanied by an increased risk as compared to adult patients. If indicated, autologous blood donation should therefore be offered to pediatric patients using the same criteria as in adults. Problems specific to blood donation in children may arise from limited compliance of the children. In addition, the amount of the blood drawn and the amount of the anticoagulant has to be adjusted according to the weight of the child. This may present difficulties especially in smaller facilities, since there are no blood donation systems available to date that specifically suit the pediatric patient. The necessary manipulations to adjust the blood donation system to the weight of the child might enhance the risk of bacterial contamination.