Autotransfusionist

An autotransfusionist, also known as a perioperative autotransfusion tech, is a specialized allied health professional who operates the cell saver machine during surgeries that expect significant blood loss.

The autotransfusionist is responsible for collecting shed blood from the patient during the operation, scrubs or cleans the blood of impurities, then makes is available to be reinfused into the patient. The process is commonly know as a "cell-saver" and is considered far superior to the use of blood from a donor, because it reduces the possibility of infection and provides more functional cells back to the patient.^[1]

Autotransfusion can be achieved in the operating room, intensive care unit, and emergency room and require varying degrees of expertise depending on the procedure.^[2]

Clinical Procedures

Autotransfusionists are involved in a many types of surgical procedures, including the following:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Liver Transplantation
Jehovah Witness with patient approval and expected large blood loss.
Patient with antibodies for whom cross-matched blood is unavailable
Pediatric spines or craniotomies
Prostatectomy
Spinal fusion
Hip revisions
Kidney, pancreas, and small bowel transplants
Hip replacement
Knee replacement
Total abdominal hysterectomies / myomectomies
Endovascular aneurysm repair
Thoracic aortic aneurysm
ENT

Education

Most autotransfusionists have some form of medical background ranging from anesthesia (Cer.A.T., or Cer.A.T.T, nursing (LPN or RN), perfusion (CCP), and surgery (CST). Currently, the International Board of Blood Management is the governing body for certification in autotransfusion (CPBMT). The IBBM's mission is to promote education and sound scientific principles to advance the safe and competent practice of perioperative blood management.

In order to become a Certified Perioperative Blood Management Technologist (CPBMT), one must:^[3]

Have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
Be practicing in the field of blood management for a minimum of one (1) year
Complete a yearly minimum of fifty (50) autotransfusion procedures.

Certification Bodies/Associations

References

^ "Our Team". Asheville Heart. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
^ "Autotransfusion". Bloodguys. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
^ "Certification". International Board of Blood Management. Retrieved 2012-02-10.

[1] "Our Team". Asheville Heart. Retrieved 2012-02-10.

[2] "Autotransfusion". Bloodguys. Retrieved 2012-02-10.

[3] "Certification". International Board of Blood Management. Retrieved 2012-02-10.

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