This comprehensive text covers both basic science and the practical details of this technique. Experts from the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School, the National Institute of Health and other institutions have written detailed chapters on, among other medical topics, autologous bone marrow protection, mononuclear cell therapy, perioperative haemodilution and erythrocyte reinfusion and aerobic power. The entire scope of autologous transfusion is covered from a thorough historical chapter and chapters on predeposit transfusions, blood salvage, the role and organization of an autologous transfusion service, to a contribution on the future of autologous transfusion and haemotherapy.