Intraoperative blood cell salvage in obstetrics

Intraoperative blood cell salvage is an efficacious technique for blood replacement and its use is well established in other areas of medicine, but there are theoretical safety concerns when it is used in obstetric practice. Data collection is therefore important and clinicians should report all complications to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Whenever possible, patients should be fully informed of the potential complications. In addition, use of the information for the public is recommended.

This procedure should only be performed by multidisciplinary teams who develop regular experience of intraoperative blood cell salvage.