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Physicians encourage patients undergoing
certain elective surgical procedures to store
their own blood in anticipation of their
transfusion needs. This autologous transfusion
is the safest possible option for some
patients, but is not an option for all patients.
Although the use of autologous blood will
reduce the risk of some adverse effects
related to transfusion, it won’t entirely eliminate
them; there’s a chance that bacterial
contamination could occur. The risk of an
incompatible unit being transfused because
the wrong unit is given to the wrong patient
in error is not eliminated with autologous
transfusion; the risk of these problems is the
same for all types of transfusions, both
autologous and non-autologous.
To arrange for autologous transfusion, your
physician will contact the Blood Center to
request that your blood be collected for
storage prior to surgery. After consulting
with your physician, a Blood Center
representative contacts you to schedule the
collection procedure.
Autologous collection of blood begins
about four weeks before a scheduled surgery
because red blood cells can be stored for
only 42 days. For optimal patient benefit,
collections should begin at least 10 to 14
days prior to scheduled surgery. One unit
(pint) is taken at each collection. Your
physician will determine how many units are
stored, depending on anticipated need.
Collection of autologous blood units is a
medical service performed for your direct
benefit; it is not comparable to voluntary
donation for general community use. If you
do not require the blood you have stored, it
will be discarded. The Blood Center charges
a fee for collecting, testing and processing
your blood, regardless of whether or not
you use the blood. Not all medical insurance
providers cover the cost of autologous units.
In certain cases, children may make autologous
blood donations. Your physician can
tell you if this procedure is suitable for
your child.
For more information about autologous transfusion:
- Call (206) 292-6588, or
- Contact your physician
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