Blood Transfusion Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Blood Transfusion, including details on blood donation, blood types, leukemia.

Composition of the blood sampled from surgical drainage after joint arthroplasty: quality of return.

Sinardi D, Marino A, Chillemi S, Irrera M, Labruto G, Mondello E

Anesthetics and ICU Department, Orthopedic Institute of Southern Italy F. Scalabrino, Messina, Italy. dsinardi@tiscali.it

BACKGROUND: The quality of blood obtained with a device for postoperative blood drainage and autotransfusion (Bellovac-ABT, Astra Tech AB) was investigated in 50 patients who underwent total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The Bellovac-ABT drainage set was inserted and blood collection began after skin closure (THR) or 15 minutes after tourniquet deflation (TKR). A collecting bag stayed in place for less than 6 hours. The product was then returned after sedimentation and discard of supernatant, without anticoagulants. RESULTS: Blood returned with the Bellovac-ABT had optimal hemoglobin levels and red blood cell (RBC) counts; the low platelet count reduced the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Inertia of materials maintained acceptable values of C-reactive protein, whereas cytokines and complement split products rose rapidly. Higher concentrations of adenosine triphosphate and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate than in circulating blood suggested a normal RBC metabolism. No adverse reactions were observed in any participants. CONCLUSION: Because of its simplicity and safety, the Bellovac-ABT autologous blood transfusion system is recommended in THR or TKR without joint infection or malignancy.

Published 21 January 2005 in Transfusion, 45(2): 202-7.
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