Summary
Ensuring a safe and adequate supply of blood components for transfusion is an ongoing challenge. There are morbidities associated with the immunological complications of allogeneic blood transfusion, and the cost of allogeneic blood components is increasing. The use of inter-operative cell salvage (ICS) reduces the demand on allogeneic (donor) red cells, and is cost effective. This guideline promotes the safe and competent use of ICS to enhance patient care and includes:
- Recommendations for the organisation and management of an ICS service
- Special circumstances where ICS is not recommended
- Financial considerations