Autologous transfusion--a viable alternative.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Transfusion of blood carries an inherent threat of immunological complications and an ever-increasing risk of transfusion transmitted diseases. A safer alternative to these potential dangers is autologous transfusion. This relatively simple and innocuous procedure strives to achieve the goal of 'Safe Blood', and can be practised easily in the peripheral hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study was conducted to evaluate this facet of transfusion medicine, in a Services Zonal Hospital, for the period January, 1998 to July, 2000. RESULTS: A total of 45 pre-operative autologous collections were undertaken during this duration. By conducting regular interactive programmes with the healthcare workers and the patients, the rate of autologous transfusion vis-a-vis total transfusion increased from 0.34% in 1998 to 13.83% till July, 2000. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that there should be vigorous participation at all levels in a hospital, under the auspices of an active hospital transfusion committee, to make this procedure more popular and more acceptable in today's scenario. This will not only reduce the load of allogenic transfusion, but will also help to diminish the potential hazards associated with blood transfusion.