Autotransfusions of previously frozen blood in elective gynecologic surgery

Autotransfusions of previously frozen red cells in patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery are reported. When red cell volume and total circulating hemoglobin levels are used as criteria, a 4 week interval between the initial and second bleed proved better than a 2 week interval for the collection of two units of blood. The clinical responses to the autologous transfusions were satisfactory.