Updated at: 02-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

The word “autologous” comes from the Greek language. The words “autos” (self) and “logus” (meaning) have unmistakable meanings (relationship). Therefore, the connotation is “relating to oneself.” Transfusing blood or blood components back into the same individual from whom they were originally removed is commonly referred to as “auto transfusion” or “autologous blood transfusion,” however these terms are technically incorrect. Homologous blood transfusions involve blood or blood components obtained from a separate human donor.

Most people don’t learn about this way of donating blood until they need it for surgery. It is prudent, therefore, to be cognizant of this fact in advance. This essay will explain how it operates and show you why it’s a reliable method. If this is something that piques your attention, continue on.

Facts You Need To Know About Autologous Blood Donation

Autologous blood donation can be defined as the donation of one’s own blood. Autologous blood donation is less common than other methods, as was mentioned above. Don’t worry, we’ll help you figure out what’s going on and the details around it. The best way to get a feel for the concept of autologous blood donation is to discover what the term “autologous” implies in the first place.

Here's what you need to know about donating blood

What is blood donation?

Autologous blood donation can be defined as the donation of one’s own blood. Autologous blood donation is less common than other methods, as was mentioned above. Don’t worry, we’ll help you figure out what’s going on and the details around it. The best way to get a feel for the concept of autologous blood donation is to discover what the term “autologous” implies in the first place.

What does autologous mean?

Donating one’s own blood, or autologous donation, is a common practice. We’ve established that donating one’s own blood isn’t as common as other methods. Don’t worry, we’ll be here to help after we’ve figured out what it is and the details around it. Learning the definition of autologous and the concept of autologous blood donation is a great first step in understanding autologous blood donation.

What an autologous blood donation is?

You may have gained a greater appreciation for what goes into an autologous blood donation. Don’t worry; the situation is under control. So, let us help you out here. Autologous blood donation occurs when both the recipient and donor are the same individual.

So let’s investigate this matter in greater detail. The argument that the donor is also the recipient might arise from a number of different scenarios. In a number of scenarios, doctors may be in a position to OK such a thing.

In cases where a substantial volume of blood is needed, such as during an open-heart surgery, the surgeon may ask the patient for consent to use the patient’s own blood during the procedure. Another case is when there are no other donors in the donor’s family and the donor has an uncommon blood type. In such a case, he can only attend if his doctor gives him the green light to do so. Keep reading to find more information about donating your own blood.

How long does autologous blood last?

To learn more about the process of blood donation, continue reading this section. An autologous blood donation is often conducted a month or weeks before where you will use it. After donating and undergoing surgery, the donor, of course, needs time to recuperate. These blood samples were only going to be around for a short period of time. That’s a 35-day estimate. At a temperature of four degrees Celsius, the shelf life of a red blood cell is approximately the same. This is a great example of an autologous blood donation, in my opinion.

What Is The Difference Between Autologous And Allogeneic Blood Transfusion

To discover more about the procedure of blood donation, continue reading this section. Donations of autologous blood are typically made several weeks or months before they are needed. The donor will need time to rest and recover after donating and surgery. In other words, the blood samples would have been useless after a short while. To put it another way, we can say that it will take around 35 days. The lifespan of a red blood cell is roughly the same at four degrees Celsius as it is at room temperature. In my perspective, this is a perfect illustration of an autologous blood donation.

Blood Donations After Shooting, Hurricanes

Step 1: Ask your doctor

If you’d want to donate blood before an upcoming surgery, talk to your doctor about the possibility. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether or not your procedure will require blood transfusions and whether or not you are healthy enough to donate blood.

It is the policy of the Blood Bank Physician to perform a pre-donation screening on all first-time donors who fall into the “High Risk” category. Donors with certain health conditions, such as those with heart disease, infections, or epilepsy, as well as pregnant women and young children, are classified as “high-risk” (children must be at least ten years old, and weigh at least 65 pounds).

Step 2: Prepare for your donation

Your blood and body should be in peak condition. Iron is required for the creation of red blood cells. Donating blood is a great way to flush excess iron from your body. Iron deficiency can lead to the development of anemia. Maintaining healthy iron levels may be facilitated by eating foods high in both iron and vitamin C. Iron supplements are also recommended. The typical recommended daily allowance of elemental iron from supplements is 65 mg. You can take ferrous sulfate, an iron supplement containing 325 mg, once daily with orange juice or a meal. Iron supplements should be started as soon as possible when surgery is scheduled and continued for a full four months thereafter. You should talk to your doctor or surgeon about how long you should continue taking the supplement following surgery.

Step 3: Schedule your appointment

After you and your doctor have scheduled surgery, the surgeon will need to submit a request for autologous blood donation. The following information is required on all prescriptions for this medication:

  • According to the law, your name is “
  • When you were born
  • When you plan to launch your business
  • Please tell me how many units of blood you need.

Once your physician has completed the request form and submitted or faxed it to the Donor Program, you can contact the Blood Bank secretary to schedule an appointment. It’s possible you’ll have to schedule multiple appointments if you need to donate a substantial amount of blood. There needs to be at least three days’ worth of time between each scheduled visit. There should be no hiccups during surgery if autologous blood donations are performed at least three days beforehand. In order to reduce the risk of infection during surgery, organ donations should be spaced at least seven days apart and made at least seven days before the procedure. If you are ill, have low blood counts, or have trouble getting your blood drawn, you may need to reschedule your sessions, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Having a friend or family member drive you to and from your appointments is also recommended.

To schedule an appointment, please dial (585) 275-9662.

Step 4: Make your donation

In other words, don’t get hungry on the day of your appointment. Keep yourself well hydrated by consuming large amounts of water.

The treatment only takes about seven to ten minutes and is performed by a trained professional. The prick of the needle is about all the pain a donor should experience. The needle used to collect your gift is brand new, single-use, and disposed of after each donation.

Depending on your weight, each donation requires about a pint of whole blood. The average adult has eight to twelve pints of blood in reserve and is more than willing to donate one of those. Don’t worry; there will be time to kick back and enjoy some refreshments once you’ve made your generous contribution. Your scheduled consultation time will be around one hour.

Important Facts about Autologous Blood Donations

  • One pint of whole blood is needed for each donation, give or take. The average adult has eight to twelve pints of blood in reserve and is more than willing to donate one of those. Don’t worry; there will be time to kick back and enjoy some refreshments once you’ve made your generous contribution. Your scheduled consultation time will be around one hour.
  • About a pint of whole blood is needed for each donation, though this varies with individual body weight. The average adult has eight to twelve pints of blood in reserve and is more than eager to donate one of those. Donation will be followed by a period of relaxation and refreshments. It will take roughly an hour for your scheduled appointment.
  • About a pint of whole blood is needed for each donation, though this varies by individual. Adults typically store between eight and twelve pints of blood and are willing to give at least one of those pints if asked. Following the completion of the gift, you will be given time to unwind and have some refreshments. Your scheduled consultation time is expected to be one hour.
  • To help maintain a healthy amount of hemoglobin in your blood, you should take an iron supplement containing 65 mg of elemental iron (325 mg of ferrous sulfate) once every other day. Taking ferrous sulfate should be done with food or a glass of juice for optimal absorption. One of our suggestions is to consume a diet rich in iron from natural sources.
  • Based on your medical history and physical assessment, you may not be able to donate. The health of the donor must be confirmed.
  • Based on your medical history and physical assessment, you may not be able to donate. The health of the donor must be confirmed.

What Are The Methods Of Autologous Blood Transfusion

It is possible that you will not be able to donate based on your health and previous procedures. It’s crucial to confirm the health of the donor.

#1. Predeposit autologous transfusion

Typically, blood samples are taken for analysis between three and five weeks before the treatment. Depending on how many units are collected, the final tally could be anywhere from 1 to 2 liters.

#2. Intraoperative acute normovolaemic haemodilution

Blood must be drawn in the operating room, specifically in the anesthesia area, before the procedure may begin. Patients who are thought to have lost between 1 and 1.5 liters of blood benefit most from this treatment.

#3. Salvage autologous transfusion

This method of autologous blood transfusion is utilized during the surgery. With the consent of the patient or the patient’s legal guardian, blood lost during surgery is collected using a specialized centrifuge. The blood will then be purified and readied for retransfusion.

FDA lifts lifetime ban on gay men donating blood | CNN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum and maximum age requirement to take part in this program?

The minimum age for children is determined by their ability to understand and carry out the steps of the procedure. Donors need to meet age and weight requirements of at least 10 and 65 pounds, respectively. For minors or those otherwise unable to give informed consent, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the moment of the initial donation. No maximum age is set for this. Any potential member must first submit to a brief medical history and physical examination.

Do I need to eat anything before giving blood?

Yes. Make sure you’re well hydrated and have eaten regularly before giving blood.

How long does it take to gather information?

A blood sample can be taken after waiting 7-10 minutes. Your health history and mini-physical, as well as the paperwork required to accurately identify your blood unit, will take 20-30 minutes of your time.

I have an upcoming blood donation appointment. Should I stop taking my medication?

Despite the fact that we’ll need a list of your current medications, you should follow your doctor’s orders and continue to take them.

When should I begin my charitable endeavors?

Despite the fact that we’ll need a list of your current medications, you should follow your doctor’s orders and continue to take them.

Is my blood going to be screened for diseases?

Don’t stop taking your prescribed medicine just because we need a list of them.

Can I get all the transfusions I need from the blood I donate?

Donated autologous cells are stored until they are needed during surgery. In addition to whole blood or packed cells, plasma and platelets may also be employed. It’s likely that your body will need more packed cells than the autologous units you donated. In the event of a need for additional blood components or packed cells, the community blood supply is available and has undergone extensive screening and testing for infectious diseases.

In the event that my operation is postponed, what should I do?

If your operation is delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled, or if you need further surgery, the Strong Memorial Hospital Donor Program needs to be notified promptly. When you don’t keep in touch with the SMH Donor Program, you risk losing your blood supply or not being able to get blood when it’s most convenient for you.

What happens to the blood I donate for surgery if I don’t need it?

After their initial use, autologous units are discarded and not reused.

In order for me to receive my own blood, how can I be sure that I’ll be able to?

The blood units are individually identified and labeled with the patient’s name and medical record number using our proprietary method. Therefore, you will receive a transfusion of your own blood.

Patients’ names and medical record numbers are attached to tags affixed to each blood donation. This ensures that you will receive your own blood at the time of transfusion.

If you are able to make a donation to Strong Memorial Hospital, please contact the hospital’s donor program as soon as possible at (585) 275-9662.

Conclusion

With this new knowledge, you can distinguish between autologous and the more common allogeneic blood donations. We hope this post has helped you better understand the distinctions between the two types. Thank you very much for reading this! Read up on what to eat before and after giving blood as well, just in case.