Autologous transfusion.
Autologous transfusion is but one component of the comprehensive blood conservation program. It is often appropriate to employ more than one method of autologous transfusion. In addition, use of pharmacological measures to decrease blood loss, meticulous attention to surgical hemostasis, acceptance of lower hemoglobin levels during the perioperative period, and seeking the advice of transfusion medicine experts in assessing the need for administration of blood components are also important. Finally, the risks of homologous blood transfusion should not overshadow the life-saving benefits of transfusion.
Stehling
L
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Department of Anesthesiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87106.
D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000295:instrumentation; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D014481:United States