Intraoperative cell salvage in obstetrics.

The use of Intraoperative Cell Salvage (ICS) in obstetrics has been slow to develop as a result of theoretical concerns relating to amniotic fluid embolism and fetal red cell contamination. In this article we examine the current UK position on the use of ICS in this clinical speciality and the recommendations for its safe and appropriate use.

Education, training and competency assessment for intraoperative cell salvage.

The use of Intraoperative Cell Salvage (ICS) is an important facet in establishing the recommendations of Better Blood Transfusion (DH 2007). Training in ICS often varies and has been identified as a challenge in the establishment of the routine use of ICS (UKCSAG 2007a). To help address this, the UK Cell Salvage Action Group, has developed a number of tools to assist in the delivery of both theory and practical elements of ICS training.

Acute normovolemic hemodilution in moderate blood loss surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The risks associated with allogeneic blood transfusion are increasingly recognized. More blood is cross-matched for moderate blood loss surgery than any other indication. The role of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) as a blood transfusion strategy was evaluated in a prospective randomized controlled trial.