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.
Immunohematology Service, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.
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P
Carlier
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GM
Ferrari
G
G
Florio
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Fella
M R
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Ruzzenenti
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R
Frisoni
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Valbonesi
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000379:methods*; D006438:Hemodilution; D006801:Humans