Autologous blood donation and transfusion in Europe.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to record practices in autologous blood transfusion in Europe in 1997.


METHODS
A questionnaire mainly about predeposit was distributed to the National Representatives of all 41 member states of the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on Blood Transfusion and Haematology. Replies were received from 29.


CONCLUSIONS
Autologous blood units collected in 1997 amounted to 4.2% of the allogeneic units, with wide variations between countries. Predeposit was used most frequently in Italy (8.9%), Germany (7.1%) and France (6.6%). Some countries, notably Scandinavia, do not encourage predeposit, chiefly on the grounds that it is not cost-effective, but others are promoting its use.
Politis
C
C
3rd Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, 'G. Yennimatas' General Hospital, Athens, Greece. crichard@panteion.gr
Richardson
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C
D001771:Blood Banks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001793:Blood Preservation; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000094902:Blood Banking / Q000379:methods