Abstract: An autotransfusion system including a rigid receptacle carrying a blood collection bag internally and a manually operable portable vacuum source (MOPVS) also carried by the rigid receptacle. The system may be configured in a blood collection mode wherein the MOPVS is in flow communication with the interstitial space between the collection bag and the rigid receptacle to cause a negative pressure therein to draw blood from the patient's wound. In a reinfusion mode, the MOPVS is disconnected from the rigid receptacle and is directly connected to the drain tube leading to the patient to drain unwanted fluid from the patient's wound. The rigid receptacle is inverted and connected to a transfusion line to reinfuse the blood collected within the blood collection bag. The interstitial space is vented to ambient pressure such that the blood within the collection bag is reinfused under force of gravity alone.