Introduction
During some operations the amount of bleeding may mean that a blood transfusion will be needed. In the past, all blood used for blood transfusion came from blood donors. This is referred to as donated blood.
However, now during certain operations, it may now be possible to recycle your own blood and transfuse it back to you using a cell salvage machine like the one shown on the front of this leaflet. This is called cell salvage.
This booklet contains some of the questions you may wish to ask about the procedure. If you need any more information about what cell salvage will involve, please speak to your Consultant, your own GP or the nursing staff who will be more than happy to help.
What is intraoperative cell salvage?
Blood lost during your operation is collected and returned to you. The cell salvage machine collects red cells lost during the operation then washes and packs them ready for transfusing back to you.
Not all surgical procedures are suitable for blood recycling and your Anaesthetist will discuss this with you before your operation.
What are the benefits of intraoperative cell salvage?
Using your own blood reduces the risks associated with transfusion such as reactions and getting the wrong blood. It also helps with reducing the amount of donated blood needed to support the operation.
The blood collected will only be given back to you and never used as a donation for someone else.
What are the risks?
The risks of cell salvage appear to be low and are principally related to the blood collected being contaminated with other substances during the operation e.g. fat, bone (if orthopaedic procedure) or amniotic fluid (in obstetrics). This risk is reduced greatly by the way the machine washes the blood and the filtering system that we use.
If you are worried about possible risks, please speak to your Consultant, Anaesthetist or contact the Specialist Practitioner of Transfusion.
Are there any alternatives?
The alternative to using your own blood is to use blood from a donor.
What will happen when I come into hospital?
Before surgery
The Anaesthetist will come to see you to talk to you about using the cell salvage machine. They will decide if the machine would be suitable to use and find out if you would like to have your own blood recycled.
If you agree to the procedure, the Anaesthetist will arrange for the machine to be available during your operation.
After Surgery
After your operation, you may still need more blood and the blood used would be donated blood.
The staff will inform you if you have received any donated blood as this is something you need to know. At the moment, anyone who has had a blood transfusion from a blood donor is not able to become a blood donor themselves.
Contact Details for Further Information
Specialist Practitioner of TransfusionTelephone Number:
Scunthorpe 01724 305681
Or
Grimsby 01472 304063
Any Comments, Compliments, Concerns or Complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
Review of Information
Date of issue: May 2024
Review Period: May 2027
