Pre-operative autologous blood donation versus no blood donation in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomised trial

54 patients scheduled for TKA with primary arthritis, Hb levels >120g/L, and ASA I, II, of III were randomized to either preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) at 14 days, 72 hours preoperatively, or no preoperative blood donation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PABD was necessary, and if so, whether donation at 14 days prior or 72 hours prior was more beneficial. Results indicated significant differences in preoperative Hb, reticulocyte, as well as iron levels preoperatively and at 3 days postoperatively. Despite these, transfusion requirements and blood loss were similar between groups. Authors concluded that PABD is not necessary in non-anaemic patients.