Chapter 4, Safety and Patient Care Precautions
71
Haemonetics
®
Cell Saver
®
Elite
®
User Manual
P/N 120745-IE, Manual revision: AA
Patient Care Precautions
Reinfusing
Blood
Warning: DO NOT USE A PRESSURE CUFF OR ANY OTHER MECHANICAL
DEVICE WITH THE CELL SAVER ELITE SYSTEM. PRESSURE REINFUSION
CAN RESULT IN THE FATAL INFUSION OF AIR INTO THE PATIENT.
Warning: In accordance with applicable current guidelines and standards, a
transfusion filter designed to retain particles that are potentially harmful to
the patient should be used when returning processed concentrated red cells.
Warning: The operator should refer to applicable current guidelines and
standards for expiration date of stored blood.
Gravity reinfusion of washed cells is accomplished more rapidly than infusion
of the usual unit of homologous, packed cells because RBCs suspended in
saline are less viscous and are already at room temperature.
The blue line is primed at the factory with sterile air. During the first empty cycle
this sterile air is sent into the reinfusion bag. Therefore, the contents of the
reinfusion bag should NOT be transfused under pressure.
Removing Air from the Reinfusion Bag
If it becomes necessary to remove air from the reinfusion bag:
1. Clamp the tubing between the reinfusion bag and the patient and invert
the reinfusion bag.
2. Open one of the outlet ports of the RBC bag and squeeze the bag to
remove the air.
Upon completing a procedure, you can touch
Remove Air
in the
Records
screen
to purge any extra air from the RBC bag. See
for more information.
Using a Transfer Pack
Another method of transfusing the washed autologous red cells is to transfer
the blood from the reinfusion bag to a secondary transfer pack. This method of
transfusing the cells is helpful if the device is located at a distance from the
patient and direct reinfusion of the blood is not possible. See
for more information.
Replacing
Depleted
Clotting Factors
Washed, packed cells are depleted of clotting factors. The physician must
monitor the quantity of washed cells returned to the patient and supplement
them with fresh frozen plasma and platelets if required for hemostasis.
