Which statement about autologous donation is true?

• A. It can be used for other patients.
• B. It must be completed 4 weeks before surgery.
• C. It is donated for the patient's own use.
• D. It requires a family donor.

Answer: (C)

Autologous donation means the patient donates their own blood ahead of a procedure to be used if a transfusion is needed. This blood is reserved for the patient, so it is donated for the patient’s own use. The benefit is a compatible unit from the same person, which reduces the risk of transfusion reactions and eliminates concerns about donor infectious exposure or alloimmunization. It is not used for other patients, it does not require a family donor, and while some centers schedule donation weeks before surgery, four weeks before is not a universal rule.