Terugdonatie

Terugdonatie, also known as blood donation recall or autologous blood transfusion, is a medical procedure where a patient donates their own blood before a planned surgery or medical treatment. This collected blood is then stored and can be re-infused back into the patient during or after the procedure if needed. The primary goal of terugdonatie is to minimize the risk of transfusion reactions and the transmission of infectious diseases that can be associated with homologous blood transfusions (receiving blood from a donor). It is particularly beneficial for patients who may have difficulty finding compatible blood donors or who have rare blood types. The process involves a medical evaluation to determine eligibility, followed by a series of donations spaced over several weeks leading up to the surgery. The collected blood is then processed, tested, and stored under controlled conditions. While terugdonatie offers safety advantages, it is not suitable for all patients or all types of surgeries. Factors such as the patient's overall health, the expected blood loss during the procedure, and the time available before surgery are considered when deciding if this option is appropriate. It is a well-established practice in various medical settings to ensure a safe and readily available source of blood for patients undergoing specific procedures.