Cell salvage for peri-operative blood conservation 2018 | Association of Anaesthetists

Cell salvage for peri-operative blood conservation 2018

This guideline is currently under review and will be updated in due course.

Summary 

The use of cell salvage is recommended when it can be expected to reduce the likelihood of allogeneic (donor) red cell transfusion and/or severe postoperative anaemia. We support and encourage a continued increase in the appropriate use of peri-operative cell salvage and we recommend that it should be available for immediate use 24 hours a day in any hospital undertaking surgery where blood loss is a recognised potential complication (other than minor/day case procedures)

These guidelines were developed to inform, support and encourage the appropriate increased use of cell salvage as part of a blood conservation (Patient Blood Management) programme and include information on:  

  • The collection of blood for potential cell salvage 
  • The use of leucodepletion filters
  • Cell salvage during Cesarean section
  • Cell salvage equipment and staff training

The review deadline has been extended to 2024