Objective: To assess the development and the current practice of predeposit autologous blood transfusion (PABT) in children in France.
Study design: Nationwide survey with a questionnaire.
Method: Survey conducted in January 1995, including 121 blood transfusion centres (BTC) out of which 101 replied.
Results: Initiated in 1979, PABT is practiced at present in 66% of BTC. This figure increased by 12% from 1993 to 1994. Orthopaedic surgery was the main indication. Other indications included bone marrow harvesting for allogenic transplantation. Concerning the inclusion criteria, the lower limit of age was 9 +/- 4 years and weight 26 +/- 10 kg. The youngest child was one-year-old and his body weight was 8 kg.
Conclusion: The production of codified protocols would probably favour the development of PABT in children and increase its safety and its efficiency.