Autologous blood salvage procedures.

Autologous transfusion is not a luxury. Some states have passed legislation mandating that surgical patients be informed of the alternatives to homologous blood administration as well as the risks and benefits of transfusion. Technological advances have made autologous blood salvage in surgery, the postoperative period, and certain trauma situations a safe and relatively inexpensive procedure. While there is minimal data documenting the quality of blood which is administered without processing, extensive clinical experience attests to the safety of the procedure. Ample clinical and laboratory data support the safety of reinfusing processed blood.