Aghdaii 2012.

Methods	Participants undergoing primary, elective, on‐pump CABG were randomised to cell savage and autologous transfusion or homologous (allogeneic) blood transfusion. Randomisation methods are not stated. The trial is described as double‐blind; however, the method of allocation concealment is not described.
Participants	50 participants undergoing primary, elective, on‐pump CABG were randomised to one of two groups: Group C (Cell saver autotransfusion group): N = 25. M:F 17:8. Mean (SD) age 55 (14). Mean (SD) weight (kg) 74 (6) Group H (Homologous (allogeneic) blood transfusion) (Control): N = 25. M:F 16:9. Mean (SD) age 58 (5.4). Mean (SD) weight (kg) 72 (7) No differences in demographic data between the two groups were identified. There was a statistically significant difference in baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) between the two groups.
Interventions	Group C: cell saver (autotransfusion) group had salvaged blood from the wound, operative field, and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine processed and reinfused postoperatively. Intraoperative cell salvage of shed blood was used in all participants from skin incision to closure of the sternum at completion of surgery. The type of cell saver used is not given. Group H: participants in the control group received allogeneic (homologous) blood transfusion only. The management of blood remaining in the CPB circuit is unclear.
Outcomes	Outcomes reported: packed red blood cell (allogeneic) transfusions (mL), activated clotting time (ACT), postoperative blood loss (mL and mL/kg), number of participants receiving allogeneic packed red blood cell transfusion, re‐operation for bleeding, mortality to discharge, mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP)
Notes	Transfusion protocol: a transfusion threshold of Hb < 7 g/dL or haematocrit (Hct) < 21% while on CPB was used. A transfusion trigger of Hb < 8 g/dL or Hct < 24% was used for the control group (Group H) following CPB. The transfusion threshold for the intervention group (Group C) postoperatively is not given. Prospective registration status: the trial was not registered prospectively. Ethical approval: authors state that the study received Research Ethics Committee approval. The name of the committee and date this approval was received is not available. Language: the trial is reported in the English language. Reason for awaiting classification status: management of blood remaining in the CPB circuit in the control group is unclear.