Abstract: A system and method for autologous normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) are disclosed. The system can include a vacuum canister, which is sized to accept donor bags of a predetermined capacity. The vacuum canister is connected to a vacuum source which applies a suction to the donor bag within the canister. The system can include a canister having a self-generated vacuum, which includes compressible sidewalls that are spring-loaded to provide negative pressure needed to collect blood from a patient without the use of a gravity-induced siphon gradient. Also disclosed are ANH systems and kits that rely on a gravity-induced siphon gradient for blood collection.