Controversies in autotransfusion

Although techniques for autotransfusion have been available for many years, recently the various methods of collecting and reinfusing a patient's own blood have become popular once again. There are many advantages in using a patient's own blood for transfusion, but there are many issues that remain unanswered or controversial. In an effort to clarify and, therefore, reduce many of the concerns often experienced about using autotransfused blood, we have outlined the current state-of-the-art in autotransfusion practice, primarily addressing these issues and concerns.