Abstract

Preoperative autologous blood donation has become accepted as a standard practice in elective surgery. Subsequent improvements in blood safety and evolving surgical techniques resulting in less blood loss have caused a national decline in preoperative autologous blood donation by approximately 50%. Nevertheless, the continuing emergence of new pathogens and the potential for severe blood inventory shortages continue to give preoperative autologous blood donation an important role in blood conservation strategies.

View details for PubMedID 15922898