Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

During a procedure, what components are connected by the harness tubing of an autotransfusion device?

1. Patient's IV, blood collection unit, medication bag

2. Cardiotomy reservoir, centrifuge bowl, waste bag

3. Blood bank, surgeon's table, recovery room

4. Reinfusion bag, oxygen tank, anesthetic agent

The correct answer is: Cardiotomy reservoir, centrifuge bowl, waste bag

The harness tubing of an autotransfusion device is specifically designed to connect the cardiotomy reservoir, where collected blood is initially stored, to the centrifuge bowl, which processes the blood by separating components based on density, and then to the waste bag for any unwanted remnants or components that are not suitable for reinfusion. Understanding this arrangement is crucial for the efficient functioning of the autotransfusion system. The cardiotomy reservoir is the first point of collection during surgery, receiving blood that may be lost, and then the centrifuge processes this blood to ensure that only the viable components are prepared for reinfusion. The waste bag serves to remove any components not needed for reinfusion, ensuring that the final product is safe and appropriate for the patient's needs. The other options do not represent the accurate function of the harness tubing within an autotransfusion device, as they involve components or arrangements that are unrelated to the autotransfusion process. This understanding underscores the importance of the specific roles of each component in the system designed to improve patient outcomes by efficiently managing blood loss during surgery.