Autologous blood predeposit for elective surgery: An Italian experience

A program of predeposit autotransfusion in elective surgery was implemented with the main purpose of decreasing the incidence of posttransfusion hepatitis and of conserving homologous blood. Specific procedures and computer programs were designed to monitor the transfusion practice by key indicators, and the incidence of posttransfusion hepatitis and HTLV-III infections. Arrangements were devised to ensure the proper management of autologous and homologous units. In 1985, autologous units accounted for 13.5% of all units transfused in elective surgery. While encouraging, our results indicate that efforts have to be made to improve organization and increase awareness of the benefits of autotransfusion in the medical and lay communities.