[Autologous blood donation]

Abstract

Because of the risks and side reactions of homologous blood transfusion autologous blood donation/transfusion is always indicated when it is practicable. Appropriate performance has to be guaranteed. By adequate training of the responsible physicians drawing and storage of autologous blood as whole blood should be general possible. However, separation into buffy coat poor red cell concentrates and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) has clear advantages. Therefore the cooperation with a blood bank or a transfusion service should be intended to which production of blood components is restricted. There is an indication for autologous blood donation in all patients who plan to undergo an elective operation being cardially compensated without "hematogenous" infection and with at least 12 g/dl hemoglobin. The aptitude examination generally may be confined on history, physical examination including blood pressure and blood counting. In a preoperative interval of 2 to 28 days it is possible to reserve 1 to 4 units of whole blood or the same number of red cell concentrates and FFP when the patient has normal haematopoiesis. The greatest problems concern the organization. They are easily to be solved by adequate information of all persons involved and close cooperation between the various physicians sending the patient to the hospital, taking care of him in the clinic and drawing the autologous blood.