Transfusing your own blood

In order to protect themselves against HIV infection, some people choose to have their own blood used in transfusions, a practice known as an autologous transfusion. ¹ This practice is more common in the United States and some European countries than in the UK, and patients often say that it makes them worry less about the chance of HIV infection.

In fact, autologous transfusions are more important as a source of protection against other more common infections transmitted by transfusions which cause post-operative complications, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). Such transfusions also reduce the stress placed on the immune system by a transfusion of foreign proteins, so they may benefit people with HIV too. An infusion of foreign blood proteins can activate the immune system and boost HIV replication and infection of new cells. Unfortunately, not all blood is suitable for autologous transfusion; some people may be too weak or anaemic to benefit from such transfusions.