Autologous blood transfusions

Due to enormous risks of transfusion-transmitted diseases in allogenic blood transfusions, including dreaded AIDS, there has been constant endeavour to look for a safer alternative. Autologous transfusion which is transfusion of blood/component donated by intended recipient, has proved to be a safe and viable alternative. Initially tried in 1874 in the form of blood salvage, the process has become popular since 1971 with better PVC containers and storage facilities. Due to ignorance and lack of interest the procedure in still unpopular in India. It is very useful for preventing complications of allogenic transfusion and in rare blood group or patients for whom it is difficult to find compatible blood. Since 1980s the procedure is being widely used. Maximally used category is preoperative donation. Strict protocols regarding selection, storage and labelling are essential. There has been tenfold increase in the preoperative autologous donations in many centres. Isovolemic hemodilution and blood salvage are also being used. The procedure has also been used for preteenage and paediatric ages successfully. 1 to 5 units can be collected from single donor. Now the popularity of the procedure has increased due to awareness and interest.