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Autologous deposit of blood by oncology patients: An evaluation of actual use and wastage

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Abstract

Background: Transfusions of autologous deposited blood have continued to grow since the 1980s. Together with the growth in the deposit of autologous blood, issues such as appropriateness of indications, reimbursement, cost effectiveness, etc., have emerged and require addressing. Also, the patient's concerns about safety of the blood supply must be taken into account.

Methods: We conducted a 20-week study to determine the collection and transfusion/wastage of autologous blood and the need to transfuse additional allogeneic units of packed red blood cells. The disposition of every autologous unit was followed until its disposal.

Results: One hundred fifty-seven patients deposited 260 units of autologous blood. Of these, 144 units (55.4%) were transfused whereas 44.6% were discarded. In addition, 25 of 157 patients (15.9%) received an additional 58 units of allogeneic blood.

Conclusion: These data demonstrate that there are surgical procedures where autologous blood is drawn unnecessarily whereas others could afford a higher number of autologous blood deposits. Physicians may be pressured by patients into ordering autologous blood deposits, to allay fear of patients about safety of the blood supply. It is important that health care professionals undergo periodic education to be able to address patient's apprehension about safety of the blood supply.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, USA

    Saad Paul Shaheen II MD

  2. Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory Immunology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, 77030, Houston, TX, USA

    Benjamin Lichtiger MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Saad Paul Shaheen II MD
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  2. Benjamin Lichtiger MD, PhD
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Shaheen, S.P., Lichtiger, B. Autologous deposit of blood by oncology patients: An evaluation of actual use and wastage. Annals of Surgical Oncology 2, 457–461 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02306381

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02306381

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