What is an autologous donation?

An autologous blood donation is a self-donation; a patient donates their own blood before a scheduled surgery or transfusion.

How is it done?
The patient’s physician or surgeon provides a written order to the patient or the blood center. The patient can donate the first pint one month before the surgery; they must donate the last pint at least 72 hours before surgery. When patients use their own blood, there is almost no risk of disease transmission from the transfusion. Since there is a benefit to the patient in receiving their own blood, special guidelines allow patients to self-donate as often as every three to seven days. The patient’s physician decides the number of pints needed.

Can all patients make self-donations?
No. Some patients, for various reasons, are not good candidates for self-donations. Other patients have medical problems requiring the written consent of a medical specialist before they can donate blood. In such cases, the consent of the blood center’s Medical Director is also obtained. However, most patients can safely self-donate.

What procedures might need blood?
Procedures likely to require blood include orthopedic surgeries, open heart and cardiac surgery, back surgery, organ transplants, and certain cancer treatments, and blood is often needed for premature babies.

The amount of blood needed depends on the patient’s health at the time of surgery, the length of the procedure, and the type of surgery or procedure.

Where can I make autologous donations?
We recommend that patients contact their branch of LifeSouth after receiving their physician’s order. Patients should call the blood center to schedule an appointment. Autologous donations can be made at any U.S. blood center and shipped wherever needed.