Autotransfusion in the emergency department of a community hospital.

The Bentley-100-Autotransfusion System was used in eight cases in the emergency department of St. Francis Hospital of Lynwood. The majority of the patients sustained massive chest trauma and the amount of blood salvaged ranged from 1,600 to 14,000 cc. Although the clotting factors and platelet counts altered greatly during the first postoperative days, they returned to normal within 72 hours. The advantages, disadvantages, and controversial areas in autotransfusion are discussed.