This is known as autologous blood. It will be stored and reinfused as needed during or after your surgery. Your body will replace your blood cells between donations. This is known as cell saving. While many orthopaedic surgical sites shed little blood during surgery, a significant amount may be lost following surgery.
Drains are important to aid in healing.
The blood collected from the wound drain can be reinfused into the patient in the recovery room or on the nursing unit within six hours. The Constavac Reinfusion System is used in this hospital. It applies a gentle vacuum suction to the wound drain. The blood from the surgical site is filtered and collected in the drainage system. When a signficant amount of blood is collected, it is transferred to an intravenous bag and reinfused back to the patient.