How to do it

Albumin Pretreatment of Autotransfusion Apparatus

Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas

^* Address correspondence to: Mark Kurusz, C.C.P., Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550.

Received: 24 June 1982
Revised: 16 August 1982
Accepted: 10 July 1982

Abstract

Priming the autotransfusion apparatus with 5% albumin solution decreases blood coagulation that, in spite of the administration of heparinized saline anticoagulant at the suction tip, still occurs on the plastic materials. This technique has eliminated the need to change reservoirs during prolonged autotransfusion cases.