The organization of the autotransfusion-perioperative blood salvage at San Martino Hospital.
Autologous transfusion is playing an important role in modern transfusion medicine. At San Martino hospital we use a combination of manual and mechanical techniques in order to improve autotransfusion procedures, control the hypertransfusion and avoid waste. Our autotransfusion program has determined a 55% reduction in the red cell concentrates used (from 42,000 in 1985 down to 19,400 in 1992). Proper training, cultural improvements and new applications on autotransfusion procedures will permit a better use of blood with less transfusion related complications, until a suitable substitute for blood will be available.
Carlier
P
P
Immunohematology Service, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.
Ferrari
G M
GM
Florio
G
G
Fella
M
M
Ruzzenenti
M R
MR
Frisoni
R
R
Valbonesi
M
M
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000379:methods*; D006438:Hemodilution; D006801:Humans