Scot Med J
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Concerns about the safety and supply of donor blood mean that clinicians are increasingly looking for alternatives to allogenic blood transfusion. One such alternative is cell salvage. Theoretical concerns about the safety of giving salvaged blood to obstetric patients have so far limited its use in maternity patients, but its use in obstetrics is now growing. ⋯ It would appear that practical issues such as staff training and maintaining familiarity with the technology are greater barriers to the use of cell salvage during obstetric procedures than concerns over safety or financial costs. Although cell salvage would appear to be safe, its use in obstetrics must be accompanied by ongoing audit and detailed data should be collected for each case.