Autologous Donations at
University of Colorado Hospital

If you are scheduled for surgery you may be able to donate your own blood. Your blood will be used if you need a transfusion during or after your operation.

You may be able to donate your own blood if you are

• reasonably healthy
• not anemic
• not on an antibiotic treatment

It is important that you understand the nature and purpose of an autologous donation. 

As with any procedure there are advantages and risks. Be aware of the following:

• Your own blood is the safest you can receive; it does not cause immune reactions or give you any new viral infections
• Your hemoglobin (iron level) will be checked before donating. There is a chance your donation will be postponed if your levels are below acceptable. Taking an iron supplement may help to restore your iron levels. (Discuss this option with your physician.)

If you have any of the following conditions, please discuss autologous donation with your physician.

• Under care or take medications for heart problems
• Lung disease
• Blood disease
• Abnormal bleeding

To consider

• It is your decision whether or not to donate your own blood. You do not have to donate your own blood in order for blood to be available.

• You must have a physician's order to give an autologous donation.  Please have your doctor fax over the form to the University of Colorado Hospital Donor Center at 720-848-1056 before you make an appointment.
• Blood has an expiration date of 35 days. If your surgery date is postponed or your blood expires, you will need to donate another unit to replace the expired one.
• If your unit of blood is not used, it will be destroyed.  Autologous units do not undergo the same testing as units for the community blood supply; therefore we do not release them for other patients.

Minor risks for donors

• Bruising, bleeding, and swelling at puncture site.
• Multiple blood donations may make you mildly anemic.
• After the donation you may feel faint, weak, lightheaded, or dizzy.  We suggest that you bring someone with you on days that you donate.

Other options

There are other options if you cannot or choose not to donate autologous blood.

• Intra-Operative Blood Salvage – Blood lost during surgery is collected and given back to you.
• Pre-Operative Hemodilution – Blood is withdrawn in the operating room immediately before surgery. This option may be useful for patients who do not have enough time before surgery to donate autologous units.

Please discuss these options with your physician if necessary.