Autotransfuusio

Autotransfusion, also known as autologous blood transfusion, is a medical procedure where a patient's own blood is collected, stored, and then reinfused back into the same patient. This practice is primarily employed to prevent or treat anemia, particularly in situations where a significant blood loss is anticipated or has occurred. The process typically involves drawing blood before a scheduled surgery or at intervals during prolonged medical treatments. The collected blood is then processed and can be stored for a specific period, depending on the storage method and the intended use.

There are several methods of autotransfusion. Preoperative autologous donation (PAD) is the most common, where patients donate their blood weeks before a planned surgery. Intraoperative autotransfusion involves collecting blood lost during surgery, processing it to remove debris and anticoagulate it, and then reinfusing it. Postoperative autotransfusion utilizes drainage blood collected from surgical sites or drains after an operation.

The main advantage of autotransfusion is the elimination of risks associated with allogeneic blood transfusions, such as transfusion reactions, transmission of infectious diseases, and alloimmunization. It is particularly beneficial for patients with rare blood types or those who have a history of adverse reactions to donor blood. However, autotransfusion is not suitable for all patients or all medical conditions, and the decision to proceed with it is made on a case-by-case basis by a qualified healthcare professional, considering the potential benefits and risks.