Does washing swabs increase the efficiency of red cell recovery by cell salvage in aortic surgery?

Background and Objectives: We investigated the contribution of swab washing to the efficiency of red cell recovery by intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) in 10 patients undergoing elective aortic aneurysm repair. Materials and Methods: Volumes and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were recorded in the blood recovered by direct suction and from washed swabs, both before and after processing with a Haemonetics Cell Saver 5. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) estimated blood loss was 991 ± 403 ml, resulting in a mean ± SD salvaged RBC volume of 380 ± 124 ml. The median [inter-quartile (IQR) range] Hb collected from suction was 84.9 (61.8-131.4) g, of which 50.1 (45-71.5) g was returned to the patient after processing, a median yield of 68 (49-77)%. The swab wash produced a median (IQR) Hb of 39.4 (28.4-64.9) g, of which 26.2 (16.8-31) g was reinfused, a 67 (33-98)% yield. Swab wash thus contributed with a median (IQR) of 31 (24-39)% of the total RBC recovery. Conclusions: Washing swabs improves the efficiency of red cell recovery by ICS. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing.