Early experience with pre-deposit autotransfusion in elective orthopaedic surgery.

Pre-deposit autotransfusion has been shown to be an effective method of providing blood for planned surgery. This study discusses preliminary experience with pre-deposit autotransfusion an alternative to homologous blood from those patients considered suitable donors according to established guidelines. In the first 24 weeks, 31 patients pre-donated 59 units of autologous blood for planned surgery. Twenty-nine patients (94%) underwent surgery and 24 (83%) of these did not require additional homologous blood. Two donations (3.6%) were complicated by minor reaction. All donors expressed satisfaction with the service. The authors conclude that in elective orthopaedic surgery pre-deposit autotransfusion is a safe and effective alternative to homologous transfusion.