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Cell Saver Instructions

A cell saver is a blood recovery system that was first introduced in the 1970's. It is used when there is medium to high volume blood loss, to re-infuse the patient's own blood back into his circulatory system. Additionally, it removes from the blood traces of undesirable components. The use of a cell saver during operations reduces the need for blood transfusions.

Things You'll Need

  • Clamps
  • Protective gloves, clothing
  • Warm water
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Lint-free gauze or cloth
  • Cotton swabs
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Instructions

  1. Determine Usage of Cell Saver

    • 1

      Determine anticipated blood loss. If anticipated blood loss is 15 percent or more of the patient's estimated blood volume, or if more than 10 percent of the patients who undergo the same procedure would normally require a transfusion, then the cell saver is an appropriate option. If the average transfusion rate for the procedure exceeds one unit of blood, this would also deem the use of the cell saver appropriate.

    • 2

      Determine if blood may be mismatched. If, because of shortage of autologus blood or some other reason, the blood that would normally be used in a blood transfusion for a particular operation is mismatched, then this would also be an appropriate setting in which to use a cell saver.

    • 3

      Evaluate the type of operation. The cell saver is used most frequently for various forms of cardiac surgery. Other forms of surgery in which the cell saver is utilized are, joint replacements as well as spinal surgery, liver transplant, certain neurosurgical procedures and pregnancy complications.

    Cell Saver Usage Instructions

    • 4

      Prepare the cell saver for use. Ensure an adequate and continuous electrical supply, prepare and install the disposable bowl, through which the collected blood passes. Hang the blood bags; install tubing harnesses; set up saline solution and perform a final inspection.

    • 5

      Ensure that the temperature of the operating room is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 6

      Use the Help button on the control panel for set-up instructions. If any errors in functioning occur before or during the operation, the control panel will give a specific error message with number code. Typical processing time for blood taken into the machine, until output back into the patient is five minutes.

    • 7

      Ensure that there are no restrictions to the flow of the effluent. Also, do not apply pressure to any of the collapsible sections of the unit, especially when fluid is being circulated, as this can result in damage and even death to the patient.

    • 8

      Clean the unit thoroughly after use and dispose of disposable parts of the unit. Do not re-use the disposable sections of the unit which are intended for single occurrence use. Clean up any spilled blood with appropriate solvents, including warm water and isopropyl alcohol using protective gloves and aprons, and dispose of spilled blood according the legal hazardous waste regulations.

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