[Autologous blood donation from the viewpoint of the anesthetist].

The anesthesiological aspect regarding autologous donation/autologous predeposition aims at the following criteria: (1) Which patient is eligible for autologous donation? (2) Which kind of monitoring should be established for the donation procedure? (3) What are the quality criteria the autologous predeposit has to meet? (4) What are the logistical aspects of an autologous predeposit program managed by an anesthesis? Under anesthesiological aspects all patients who have been declared eligible for elective surgery should be able to donate an autologous predeposit. Attention should be paid both to an adequate volume substitution, especially in patients with cardiovascular and/or coronary diseases, and to an adequate monitoring during autologous blood donation; e.g., a 3-lead ECG to monitor of cardiac rhythm and heart rate as well as close and discontinuous blood pressure control appear to be appropriate. There is no doubt that the quality criteria an autologous predeposit should meet are the same as those outlined for a homologous product; especially proof of no bacterial contamination is mandatory. Undoubtedly, an anesthesist managing an autologous predeposit program should have a broad experience in and a good knowledge of transfusion medicine.