We all know that blood transfusion refers to donating blood that can later be given to another person. This is called allogeneic blood transfusion.
But did you know that one can donate his/her own blood only to be given the same blood?
It seems impossible but this happens even during surgery. This technique is called autonomous blood transfusion (ABT).
ABT has been widely used in some of the Western countries and its use is growing in countries like Japan.
In Kenya, ATB is applied during surgery when blood lost during the process is collected in blood bags and later transfused back to the patient. This is called cell salvage.
Blood can also be collected in advance before an elective procedure and given to the patient when needed. This is pre-operative autologous donation.
The principles of ABT have been applied due to rising cases of complications associated with allogeneic blood transfusion which include transmission of viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B and even malaria parasites. This happens when blood is not properly screened.
Kenya is facing a shortage of blood due to reduced donations and increased demands in hospitals by patients in need of blood transfusion.
On average, about 1,200 people need transfusion daily. With the imbalance in supply and usage, there is need to adopt ATB. One needs to walk into a hospital and seek advice before undertaking the procedure.
If the government, through health workers in conjunction with Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services (KNBTS) advocates for increased ATB technique, cases of blood transfusion complication will decline.
There will also be enough blood for those who need it and also eliminate the instances of rare blood type like blood group AB (-).