Clinical implications of the impact of autologous blood donation on functional recovery

The practice of depositing units of autologous blood to prepare for elective surgery is steadily increasing. This article outlines the advantages and limitations of autologous blood donations. Secondary analysis from a study of functional recovery following total knee replacement compares functional outcomes of people who predeposited autologous units with those who did not. Clinical implications and suggestions are made for managing the patient's physiologic status during the donation process, as well as hemodynamic status during the postoperative transfusion period.