Final answer:
A cell saver during intraoperative blood salvage contains anticoagulants, which are necessary to prevent clotting. Platelets and coagulation factors are involved in the clotting process at injury sites, but they are not part of the cell saver's content as they would cause clotting within the device.
Step-by-step explanation:
During intraoperative blood salvage, a cell saver is present which contains anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are substances that oppose coagulation, which is crucial during the process of blood salvage to prevent the premature clotting of the blood. Clotting is a complex process involving platelets, also known as thrombocytes, and a variety of coagulation factors. When blood vessels are injured, platelets adhere to the site, release contents that activate other platelets, and interact with coagulation factors that convert fibrinogen into fibrin, resulting in a blood clot. Platelets, derived from megakaryocytes, play a key role in hemostasis by forming a platelet plug at the injury site. The specific components in a cell saver do not typically include intact platelets, red blood cells, or fibrinogen as these elements would lead to clotting within the device.