Purpose of review 

The collection of shed blood and its reinfusion has been termed ‘cell salvage’ or ‘autotransfusion’. This review will summarize the historical foundation of cell salvage and summarize recent literature associated with cell salvage use in trauma.

Recent findings 

There have been no publications on cell salvage in trauma during the last 2 years. This is based on a PubMed search using the key words, ‘cell salvage’, ‘autologous blood transfusion’ and ‘operative blood salvage’. Although the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were ongoing, publications focused upon autotranfusion of unwashed blood from the hemothorax and on the resuscitation of the injured in remote settings.

Summary 

Autotransfusion or cell salvage is markedly under utilized in trauma. Opportunities exist for significant blood savings if it is used more frequently. More research is clearly needed to assess the safety of autotransfusion in the traumatized patient.