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Transfusion Medicine

Concept Autologous Transfusion (CAT)

Autologous Blood Transfusion
When a transfusion is necessary, using the patient’s own blood eliminates the risk of external factors such as infection (viral hepatitis, HIV, malaria, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, etc.), transfusion reactions, allergic reactions, and sensitisation of the recipient. Autologous blood is the safest product available. However, any blood donation is associated with certain risks, and donating one’s own blood is not entirely risk-free:

Risks

  • The reduction in circulating blood volume can occasionally lead to temporary circulatory disturbances (low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting).
  • Since blood donation causes a temporary reduction in the number of red blood cells, which are responsible for oxygen transport, the donor may feel generally tired and may fatigue more rapidly on physical exertion. 
  • Impairment of the oxygen supply to the heart is also possible, which may manifest as heart symptoms or changes in the ECG; only rarely, however, is it necessary to discontinue the autologous blood donation.

Additional information

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