Donating blood prior to surgery can be an option for individuals preparing for certain medical procedures. This process involves autologous blood donation, where patients donate their own blood for potential use during or after their surgery. This approach differs from general blood donation, as the collected blood is specifically reserved for the donor’s personal transfusion needs. Engaging in this medical procedure requires guidance from a healthcare professional.
Autologous Blood Donation Explained
Autologous blood donation involves the collection and storage of a patient’s own blood before a scheduled medical procedure. Its purpose is to provide the patient with their own blood for transfusion, should it be needed during or immediately following surgery. Using one’s own blood can help minimize risks associated with receiving blood from an unrelated donor, such as transfusion reactions or the transmission of infectious diseases.
This practice is considered for surgical procedures where moderate to significant blood loss is anticipated. Examples include orthopedic surgeries, cardiovascular procedures, or extensive abdominal surgeries.
Eligibility and Process
To be eligible for autologous blood donation, a patient undergoes a medical evaluation to ensure suitability. Criteria include sufficient hemoglobin levels, above 11 g/dL, and good overall health without active infections. A minimum weight, around 110 pounds (50 kg), is also required for a standard unit donation. These checks help ensure the donation process is safe for the patient and that the collected blood will be viable.
The process begins with a physician’s consultation, who determines if autologous donation is appropriate and writes a prescription for it. Donations are scheduled, beginning four to five weeks before surgery, with the last donation occurring at least 72 hours prior to the operation. This timeframe allows the body to replenish blood volume and red blood cells. Each donation involves drawing one unit of blood, approximately 450-500 milliliters.
The collected blood units are labeled with the patient’s name and identifying information, and stored until surgery. Adherence to scheduling is important to ensure enough time for recovery between donations and for the body to regenerate blood components. The medical team coordinates the process, from initial evaluation to final storage of the blood.
Important Considerations
Patients considering autologous blood donation should be aware of several factors. One common risk is the development of anemia, especially if multiple units are donated, as the body may struggle to fully replenish red blood cells between donations. Other potential side effects during or after donation include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or bruising at the needle insertion site. Though rare, there is also a slight risk of bacterial contamination of the donated unit during collection.
It is also possible that not all donated autologous units will be used during surgery, or conversely, the patient may still require allogeneic (donor) blood if their own supply is insufficient or unexpected complications lead to greater blood loss. The decision to proceed with autologous donation should always be made in consultation with the patient’s medical team, including the surgeon and anesthesiologist. They can assess the individual’s surgical needs and overall health. While the cost of autologous blood donation varies, it involves fees for collection, testing, and storage, which may or may not be fully covered by insurance.