Resuspended erythrocytes can be prepared by manual processing of whole blood or directly by the the technique of erythrocytapheresis. The authors describe the possibility to collect two transfusion units of red cells, buffy coat removed in additive solutin for autotransfusion, during one session in a group of 65 patients before surgery planned in advance (mainly orthopaedic surgery) by the technique of erythrocytapheresis. They describe criteria for this blood donation technique, the principle, the necessary technical equipment, advantages for patients and health institutions as well as disadvantages. From patients within the age bracket of 45 – 85 years two transfusion units of erythrocytes were obtained. Only in two cases the authors recorded symptoms of citrate reaction, no other undesirable reactions were observed.

        Key words: autotransfusion, erythrocytapheresis