The cost‐effectiveness of autologous transfusion revisited: implications of an increased risk of bacterialinfection with allogeneic transfusion

Abstract

If there is only a modest increase in the risk of bacterial infection following allogeneic transfusion, autologous transfusion would result in improved outcomes at a cost of less than $50,000 per QALY. Autologous transfusion would be dominant above a relative risk of infection that is within the range of values observed in randomized controlled trials. However, if there is no increased risk of bacterial infection, autologous transfusion would be a very expensive strategy. Until more definitive data are available on the magnitude and costs of this risk, we advise against prematurely closing the debate about the cost-effectiveness of autologous transfusion.