autologous blood transfusion


autologous blood transfusion

1. The collection of a patient's own blood before surgery, to be used if the patient needs a transfusion during or after the surgery, to reduce the possibility of needing banked blood, and with it the risk of having a transfusion reaction or contracting a transmissible infection.

Patient care

The usual blood transfusion checks are performed: the patient's armband name and number are verified by comparing them with those on the chart; the number and blood type of the unit of blood are checked against those of the patient; and the number and blood type of the unit of blood should match that information on all the paperwork.

2. The collection and reinfusion into the patient of blood lost during an operation. See: blood dopingSee also: transfusion