Minimizing perioperative homologous blood exposure with recombinant human erythropoietin.

Stimulation of erythropoiesis is an attractive alternative to the risks of homologous transfusion. The availability of rHuEPO has made erythropoietic acceleration possible. The use of rHuEPO perioperatively and in preoperative autologous donation will likely find firm indications. Combinations of present methods of autologous blood use with the various rHuEPO regimens will be the best methods of minimizing perioperative homologous blood exposure.