Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Under what condition is autotransfusion indicated?

1. When blood loss is anticipated to exceed 20%

2. During routine surgical procedures without blood loss

3. Only if the patient requests it

4. When a specific blood type is unavailable

The correct answer is: When blood loss is anticipated to exceed 20%

Autotransfusion is indicated when significant blood loss is anticipated, typically when it is expected to exceed 20%. This technique involves collecting blood that the patient loses during surgery and reinfusing it back into the patient, which can help to maintain hemodynamic stability and reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. The use of autotransfusion in anticipated large blood loss situations is especially valuable because it allows for the conservation of the patient's own blood, minimizes potential transfusion reactions, and addresses concerns about blood type compatibility and availability. In contrast, using autotransfusion during routine surgical procedures where no substantial blood loss is anticipated is not necessary, as there would be no blood to collect and reinfuse. Similarly, a patient's request for autotransfusion does not constitute a medical indication if the clinical situation does not warrant it. Lastly, while autotransfusion can be useful when a specific blood type is unavailable, its primary indication remains in the context of anticipated significant blood loss.