[Peroperative transfusion of autologous blood; experiences with a blood cell separator]

Technical progress in the last decade has made intraoperative autotransfusion of shed blood by means of a blood cell separator a safe method of blood transfusion. Complications may now be prevented by removing potentially harmful substances such as debris from the wound, heparin, activated clotting factors and free haemoglobin. The Red Cross Blood Bank in Nijmegen has performed 80 intraoperative autotransfusions. An average of 4 litres of blood was processed and 1.2 litres of red cell suspension were prepared, with a haematocrit of 0.47 l/l. This means saving about 3 donor units of packed cells during operation. Recovery of the erythrocytes was 61.9%; of the heparin and haemoglobin 95.3 and 95%, respectively, were removed. Almost all platelets were removed. No complications were noted. This technique can reduce intraoperative blood loss and use of donor blood.