An update on predeposit autologous blood donation and transfusion in Europe.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to update previous data on the practice of autologous blood transfusion in Europe.


METHODS
A questionnaire, mainly about predeposit, was distributed to each National Representative on the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on Blood Transfusion and Haematology. Detailed replies were received from 23.


RESULTS
Predeposit autologous blood units collected in 2000 amounted to 3.3% of the allogeneic units, compared with 4.2% in 1997. Predeposit collection was commonest in Italy (7.8%) and Germany (6.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
Although autologous transfusion showed no sign of increase in Europe from 1997 to 2000, the need for alternatives to allogeneic transfusion is growing. Policy and practices in this field should be followed on an ongoing basis.
Politis
C
C
3rd Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, G Gennimatas General Hospital, Athens, Greece. cpolitis@hol.gr
Richardson
S C
SC
D001782:Blood Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires