Blood transfusion and the anaesthetist: intra-operative cell salvage

The challenge to ensure a safe and adequate supply of blood components for transfusion continues. It has been recognised that there are morbidities associated with the immunological complications of allogeneic blood transfusion. The cost of allogeneic blood components is increasing as testing and processing to avoid transfusion transmitted infection becomes more sophisticated. An additional concern is that the donor pool is decreasing.