A UK Cell Salvage Action Group was established in 2006 to help support the wider implementation of ICS as an alternative to donor blood, and to facilitate a UK approach to its use. The Action Group reports to the Appropriate Use of Blood Group in England and the equivalent groups in the devolved countries. The group consists of UK leaders in Cell Salvage and will make recommendations considered to be best practice. The outputs of the group will be available to all ICS users through the Toolkit

There is a need for co-ordination of the expert skills and knowledge to help drive the wider implementation of Intraoperative Cell Salvage (ICS) in the UK. The outputs from the UK Cell Salvage Action Group should help support the provision of integrated and effective services for patients. The following have been developed and are available for use by organisations across the UK.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of Intraoperative Cell Salvage please contact a member of the group: view the list on-line - or download the list (pdf)

Intraoperative Cell Salvage UK Survey

As part of the action groups workplan the need to conduct a baseline survey of activity was identified. The report summarises the findings of the survey conducted in April 2007. To download the report click here.

Policy Document

This policy document has been written as a generic policy to support the implementation and use of Intraoperative Cell Salvage within Organisations. It has been designed with the intention that it can easily be adapted to accommodate the local policies and practice of individual NHS Trusts/Divisions/Hospitals and private organisations. To download the policy document summary (pdf) click here. The complete document is available as a Microsoft^™ Word^® file here

Audit of compliance with the UK ICS Policy

This form has been designed to assist organisations to review their compliance with the UK ICS policy. It is a tool to help identify areas of non compliance and to help establish what action plans should be put in place to address the non compliances. Click here to download the audit form.

Intraoperative Cell Salvage - Getting Started

This document is aimed at supporting organisations in developing a cell salvage programme. Click here to download.

Information on ICS Equipment

The UK Cell Salvage Action Group has collected information about the various ICS machines used in the UK. The information supplied by the Manufacturers is provided in both individual technical specifications and a central depository which includes a limited amount of information about the range of services and equipment provided by the individual manufacturers.

The individual specifications can be downloaded as PDF files from the summary sheet which is available here.

Standard UK ICS Label

Labelling of autologous salvaged red cells is as important as the labelling of allogeneic (donor) units. To address this issue and to help promote the safe and appropriate use of cell salvage, the UK Cell Salvage Action Group has developed a generic label for salvaged blood. The aim is to help standardise practice through the routine labelling of cell salvage blood in all hospitals throughout the UK. Cable ties will also be supplied to ensure the label can be securely attached to the reinfusion bag. The following are available:

• Letter outlining the reason for the introduction of a standard label
• Guidance for completion of the autologous transfusion label (Print friendly format of guidance)
• Presentation for use by hospitals giving a step by step guide to completing the label