Autotransfusion in the emergency patient.

As the need for blood products increases in the veterinary emergency setting, the technique of autologous transfusion is being re-explored. Analogous transfusions provide an immediate source of blood with known compatibility to the patient. With the advent of passive canister collection systems, the technique is becoming simplified and affordable for the veterinary community. Although complications such as coagulopathies and microemboli have been reported with the procedure, attention to patient selection, technique, and patient monitoring following transfusion greatly minimizes potential drawbacks.