There is no role for routine perioperative autologous donation or directed donation except for selected patients (for example, patients with rare red blood cell antigen types). Medical evidence does not support the concept that autologous (blood donated by one’s self) or directed blood (blood donated by a friend/family member) is safer than allogeneic blood. In fact, there is concern that the risks of directed donation may be greater (higher rates of positive test results for infectious diseases). Autologous transfusion has risks of bacterial contamination and clerical errors (wrong unit/patient transfused). As well, autologous blood donation before surgery can contribute to perioperative anemia and a greater need for transfusion.
Sources:
Engelbrecht S, et al. Clinical transfusion practice update: haemovigilance, complications, patient blood management and national standards. Med J Aust. 2013 Sep 16;199(6):397-401. PMID: 24033212.
King K, et al. Blood Transfusion Therapy: A Physician’s Handbook, 10th edition. Bethesda (MD): AABB; 2011.
Clarke G. Preoperative Autologous Donation [Internet]. 2016 Jun 2 [cited 2017 May 5].
Wales PW, et al. Directed blood donation in pediatric general surgery: Is it worth it? J Pediatr Surg. 2001 May;36(5):722-5. PMID: 11329574.