Description
Predeposit programmes for autologous transfusion have the obvious advantage in reducing exposure to the possible infective and immunomodulatory elements in allogeneic blood, and moreover mean that more donated units are available to meet the needs of the community. Because the transfusion of autologous blood is also subject to risks and hazards, the indications for autologous transfusion should be similar to those for allogeneic transfusion. The actual logistics of setting up a predeposit programme are not to be underestimated, however, and requires close liaison between surgeons, physicians and transfusion departments. The increased costs of leucodepleted blood may mean that such programmes will become more cost effective than has previously been the case.
