reinfusing

Reinfusing, or reinfusion, refers to the act of returning material to a patient after it has been collected, processed, or removed. In medical practice, reinfusion most often involves autologous blood reinfusion, where blood shed during surgery or other procedures is collected, filtered or washed, and then returned to the patient. This approach can reduce dependence on donor blood and may lower the risk of transfusion-related complications.

One common method is cell salvage, in which a patient’s own blood is collected from the surgical field, centrifuged and cleaned, and then reinfused through the intravenous route. Reinfusion can also involve the administration of processed blood components, such as platelets, or other biologics like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is reinjected into damaged tissue to promote healing.

Practical considerations include the timing and method of reinfusion, equipment used, and the indication for the procedure. Reinfusion requires strict aseptic technique and appropriate anticoagulation and filtration to minimize contamination and particulate risk. Not all patients or procedures are suitable for reinfusion, and there are potential risks such as infection, hemolysis, air embolism, or transfusion reactions if processing is inadequate or improperly matched to the patient.

In clinical guidelines, reinfusion is typically discussed within the broader contexts of blood management, transfusion medicine, and tissue repair strategies. It is important for healthcare teams to evaluate benefits, risks, and regulatory standards specific to the procedure and patient condition. See also transfusion, autologous transfusion, and cell salvage.