Abstract
Cell salvage in obstetrics has not been routinely adopted due to concerns about the risk of contaminating recovered blood with amniotic fluid (AF) and maternal alloimmunization. A combination of washing salvaged cells, filtration and leucocyte depletion filtration of salvaged blood are measures used to minimize the AF load to the mother. In addition, post transfusion Kleihauer testing should be performed as soon as possible in Rhesus-negative mothers who deliver a Rhesus-positive fetus so that appropriate anti-D prophylaxis can be administered. Through such measures, obstetric cell salvage can be a relatively safe technique. Currently, ASA, OAA and NICE recommend that cell salvage be used for obstetric hemorrhage.
