Abstract: Blood collection and transfer apparatus is adapted for autotransfusion in preoperative, operative and postoperative procedures. A collapsible bag is provided with a stent adapted to hold it in distended form when desired, whereby a negative gage pressure may be applied for blood collection. Fittings for controlled addition of anticoagulants may be included. The apparatus is useful in diverse settings, for example, chest trauma, postsurgical collection and reinfusion of mediastinal blood, collection and reinfusion of shed blood during surgery, cell washing procedures and cardiopulmonary procedure wherein it functions as a cardiotomy reservoir.