Analysis of Unwashed Filtered Drainage Blood After Arthroplasties

Abstract

Recently autologous blood transfusion has been recommended to prevent complications from homologous blood transfusion. We have analyzed the unwashed filtered drainage blood after knee and hip arthroplasties to establish its safeness for reinfusion. Stryker CBC ConstaVac closed wound drainage systems were used with 30 patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty. The average value of plasma hemoglobin in the drainage blood was 133.6mg/dl and the level of fibrinogen was less than 20mg/dl. These data show that unwashed filtered closed wound drainage blood can be used for reinfusion after arthroplasties.