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Autologous/Directed Donor Availability

Indications for Usage and Availablility

Type Indications for usage Availability and Comments
Autologous Blood
  1. May be indicated for scheduled surgery where there is likelihood the patient will need a transfusion
Donor eligibility:
  1. In good health without significant cardiac or respiratory problems.
  2. Hematocrit of at least 33
  3. Does not have an active bacterial infection.
  4. Autologous donations are done at the ARC collection centers only.
  5. There must be at least a week between each donation.
  6. There must be at least 4 days between the date of surgery and the last donation.
  7. Women not in the first or third trimester of pregnancy
Directed Blood
  1. May be indicated when an autologous donation is not an option.
  1. Availability of directed blood products is approximately one week after the request has been approved by the Transfusion Services Medical Director.
  2. This product is not for STAT or Emergency situations.
  3. Potential donors must have documentation of a reliable blood type and must be ABO and Rh compatible with the patient.
  4. Directed donations are done at the ARC collection centers only.
  5. Donor can not be husband (male partner) of a female patient in childbearing years.
  6. All directed blood products are irradiated to reduce the risk of Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD).
  7. Directed donors are full screened and tested as required for volunteer homologous blood donors.
  8. Contact the Blood @ 3720 for additional information.
Standard  Requirements for transfusion
  1. Completion of the Special Collection Order Form by the attending is required.
  2. Type and Screen or Cardiac Type and Screen
Notes
  1. Contact Blood Bank for availability and timeframe for administration.
  2. Postponement of Surgery:  If a scheduled surgery is postponed and the patient has donated autologous blood, the Blood Bank should be made aware of the rescheduled surgery date.  If the units will expire prior to the new surgery date, then the units may be frozen and stored at the American Red Cross.  There is additional cost associated with freezing units and the Physician must write a freeze request order prior to sending the units back to be frozen.  Once frozen, the autologous units are stored for up to 6 months.  if necessary, the units may be stored for longer with an additional storage fee.