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Definition of Intraoperative blood salvage
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Intraoperative blood salvage: The recovery of blood lost into a body cavity during surgery or because of trauma. The blood is recovered in a sterile fashion and stored in a collection bag. This blood can then be reintroduced into the patient's circulation by an intravenous infusion, reducing the need for donor blood transfusion.