Advances in Medical Research
Open Access

Haemodilution

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH) may be used in operations where there is a large anticipated blood loss. It involves removing some of a patient's own blood and replacing it with fluids, to maintain normal volume. This process ensures that the blood that is lost during the operation is diluted, ie fewer red blood cells are in it. This reduces the load on the heart and allows the blood to flow more easily through the capillaries. The patient's own blood is returned after the operation.