Around four million people receive blood transfusions each year. Of those, 2.1 percent received autologous transfusions, or infusions of their own blood, in 2006, Lab Tests Online states. Autologous transfusions especially benefit people having scheduled surgery. A person can donate his own blood any time up to 72 hours before surgery. Only whole blood is generally used for autologous donation; clotting factors such as platelets and plasma normally can't be stored for autologous use, the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers state.
Qualifications
People who want to store autologous blood before surgery must meet certain qualifications. Children must weigh over 65 pounds. Hemoglobin levels--the level of red blood cells in the blood--must be 11 grams or greater to prevent the person from becoming anemic. Patients can't have health problems that could worsen after blood removal and must have veins large enough to use for venipuncture and blood removal, BloodBook.com states.
Benefits
Autologous blood collection before surgery has many benefits. A person's own blood is always compatible and won't cause allergic transfusion reactions. Using a person's own blood also eliminates the chance of transmission of blood-borne illnesses such as hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus. People with a rare blood type or antibodies have peace of mind knowing that blood will be available if needed during surgery. Red blood cell production may be stimulated by repeated blood draws, resulting in faster rebuilding of hemoglobin levels after surgery, Arthur Silvergleid, M.D., of Florida Blood Services reports on UpToDate. Patients whose religion forbids them to use another person's blood may also benefit from autologous donation.
Disadvantages
Autologous donation before surgery costs more than using blood from the blood bank, and costs may not be completely covered, Silvergleid warns. Some surgeons prefer that their patients not use autologous blood due to concerns that hemoglobin levels will fall too low after surgery, Lab Tests Online states. Around 50 percent of collected autologous is wasted. Iron supplements may be required to maintain hemoglobin levels after donation.
Side Effects
Some people become lightheaded or dizzy after blood donation; some may even faint. Temporary fatigue or weakness may follow autologous donation for a short time.
