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Devices designed to collect and reinfuse blood lost by a patient (i.e., perform an autologous transfusion). These units typically include vacuum suction and blood processing devices that use anticoagulants; they may reinfuse the blood directly into the patient after collection (i.e., whole blood recovery) or after a procedure that involves separation and washing of blood components (i.e., blood processing). Autotransfusion units are used mainly during surgery or in emergency and intensive care units after trauma.
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