Technical factsheets and questions

Technical factsheets

These factsheets have been developed to provide information to operators and staff using cell salvage equipment.

Intraoperative cell salvage

The following provide information on specific areas in relation to intraoperative cell salvage (ICS).

Factsheet 1

Blood collection and processing (PDF 253KB) version 1

This replaces previous factsheet 1 (swab washing), factsheet 2 (anticoagulation) and factsheet 3 (collection of blood).

Factsheet 2

Reinfusion of salvaged blood (PDF 138KB) version 5

This now incorporates previous factsheet 5 (administration of salvaged blood).

Factsheet 3

Cell salvage in Jehovah's Witness patients (PDF 205KB) version 5

Factsheet 5

Staff responsibilities for ICS (PDF 113KB) version 2

Factsheet 6

ICS for endoscopic surgery (PDF 66KB) version 2

Factsheet 7

Use of filters (PDF 114KB) version 2

Factsheet 8

Use in obstetrics (PDF 402KB) version 2

Factsheet 9

Contraindications (PDF 174KB) version 1.1

Factsheet 12

Metallosis (PDF 257KB) version 1

Postoperative cell salvage

The following provide information on specific areas in relation to postoperative cell salvage (PCS).

Factsheet 1

Staff responsibilities for PCS (PDF 102KB) Version 2

Factsheet 2

Contraindications for PCS (PDF 98KB) version 1

Factsheet 3

PCS blood collection (PDF 98KB) version 1

Factsheet 4

Reinfusion of PCS blood (PDF 214KB) version 1

Factsheet 5

Administration of PCS blood (PDF 205KB) version 2

Factsheet 6

Use of PCS for Jehovah's Witness patients (PDF 89KB) version 1

Questions about cell salvage

As the UK Cell Salvage Action Group worked on producing the factsheets above, questions were asked about use in specific situations. This led to the development of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and infrequently asked questions (IAQ) sheets for use by operators and clinicians. These will be updated by the group as more questions become available.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions sheet (PDF 104KB)

Topics include:

• Procedures where ICS is indicated 
• Pulse lavage
• Types of sucker
• Filters
• Tranexamic acid
• Dedicated operators
• HIV and hepatitis
• Duration for loaded kit (used and unused)
• Consent for cell salvage

Infrequently asked questions

Infrequently asked questions sheet (PDF 192KB)

Topics include:

• Rh null syndrome
• Cold agglutinin antibodies
• Hydatidiform mole with co-existent healthy foetus
• Can part-filled bowls be safely transfused?