Banked autologous blood in total hip replacement.

Transfusion of banked autologous blood was used in 61 patients requiring a total hip replacement. Up to 3 units of blood may be removed by phlebotomy within three weeks of the operation. Hemoglobin levels of less than 7 milligrams and hematocrit levels below 29 had no adverse effect on wound healing or resistance to infection. Autologous transfusion avoids many of the problems associated with homologous blood transfusion, especially serum hepatitis.