Yes! Patients undergoing certain elective surgical procedures can store their own blood in anticipation of their transfusion needs. This "autologous" transfusion is the safest possible option for some patients.

Storing blood for autologous transfusion is simple. Your physician contacts the Puget Sound Blood Program to request that blood be collected for storage prior to surgery. After consulting with the physician, a representative of the Blood Program contacts you to schedule the procedure.

Collection of your blood for autologous transfusion begins about four weeks before a scheduled surgery because blood can only be stored for 35 days. For optimal benefit to patients, collections should begin at least 10 to 14 days prior to scheduled surgery. The final collection occurs no later than five working days before the surgery.

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