Autotransfusion is becoming more popular, with higher rates of use in ambulatory service centers (ASCs) due to its lower costs and reduced rates of infection. Many professionals know that autotransfusion can be used for trauma with heavy blood loss, organ transplants, total joint replacement, thyroid surgery, and more — but fewer know that it can also be used safely for C-sections and cancer.
Myths About Autotransfusion, Debunked
Historically, there has been skepticism about whether autotransfusion could be safely and effectively used for patients undergoing C-section or cancer treatment. The use of cell saving technology for C-sections has been debated for over a decade, with physicians wanting to know about the risk of infection and whether squamous cells and vernix cells are removed safely. Similarly, the concern over using autotransfusion for cancer has pertained to whether cancerous cells could be removed from the bloodstream, stoking fears of possible recurrence.
The great news is that many studies have now identified that autotransfusion does not increase any risks for both the C-section and cancer groups, and patients may also experience added benefits from receiving their own blood versus donor blood.
Autotransfusion Is Safe for C-Sections
A study from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology analyzed a group of 139 patients who received their own blood through autotransfusion and 87 patients who underwent similar procedures at the same centers who did not have autotransfusion. Their study revealed “no demonstrably increased risk of complications” in those who received their own blood after measuring for rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome, amniotic fluid embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, need for ventilatory support, infectious morbidity, and the length of postpartum hospitalization.
Similarly, a study in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth conducted a randomized, controlled study on women undergoing C-section and found no major differences between the autotransfusion group and the control group — except that the autotransfusion group experienced more benefits of receiving their own blood, stating that “the incidences of incision infection, delayed wound healing, perioperative allergies, adverse cardiovascular events and hypoproteinaemia were significantly lower, while the length of hospitalization was significantly shorter.” They found that the use of cell saver technology was “safe and effective for patients with obstetric haemorrhage.”
Autotransfusion Is Safe for Cancer Patients
A meta-analysis in Transfus Med Hemother looked at publications that talked about the use of autotransfusion in relation to cancer outcomes, including recurrence, mortality, survival, allogeneic transfusion rate, and length of stay. They not only concluded that cancer cells were not passed on through the use of autotransfusion, but that “adverse effects on outcome could be reduced or avoided by using intraoperative autologous blood cell salvage.”
A study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology also found that the idea of cancer cell dissemination through autotransfusion could not be verified, and they concluded that autotransfusion for liver transplants and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is safe and could even “decrease the risk of tumor recurrence in HCC patients.”
Risks of Donor Blood Use
The use of donor blood not only costs more than using the patient’s own blood, but it increases the risk of infection. Donor blood use can tax the patient’s immune system, which can make them more vulnerable to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and illnesses. This may lead to longer hospital stays, readmissions, and adverse outcomes. Additionally, the acquisition and administration of donor blood requires more steps and has to be pre-screened for type, antibodies, and crossmatching. When indicated, using the patient’s own blood can shorten their recovery time, reduce the risk of infection, and alleviate some of their cost burden.
Our Strict Safety Standards Reduce Risk
Autotransfusion solves many problems that hospitals run into with donated blood, keeping cost and time-to-treatment down. With SpecialityCare working alongside your team, patients get their own blood back in as little as three to five minutes, when speed can literally save a life.
SpecialtyCare adheres to all AABB standards for perioperative autologous blood collection and administration. Our staff is trained on the prevention of air embolism and on the mechanics of filtration prior to reinfusion to prevent harmful particles from reentering the bloodstream. Cell washing still includes final filtration, and different filters are used depending on the context for the autotransfusion. Additionally, there is now an autotransfusion filter that is used that prevents and improves outcomes for all procedures.
Armed with knowledge and skills, our well-qualified teams assist in autotransfusion operations across the country. To find out how we can assist your hospital with autotransfusion, contact us today!
