An analysis of autologous blood donor motivational factors.

Little is known about the patient's reasons for participating in an autologous blood (AUB) collection program. We surveyed 110 AUB donors in our hospital-based collection program. Although fear of infection from an allogeneic blood transfusion was cited by 20% of AUB donors, 68.2% indicated that their physician's recommendation was a motivating factor. For 18.2% self-initiated motivation was a factor in pursuing AUB. The overwhelming majority (97.1%) stated they would donate AUB even if the risk of getting AIDS from a blood transfusion was zero. Fear of infection does not appear to be the primary reason for patients to donate AUB. Recommendation by their personal physician is an important component in the patients' decision-making process to set aside their own blood for upcoming surgery.