Final answer:
In an autologous blood donation, the patient can donate their own blood before the surgery to ensure that enough blood is available for transfusion during or after the surgery if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an autologous blood donation, the patient donates their own blood for future use. The donation can usually be done before the surgery. This is done to ensure that the patient has enough blood available for transfusion during or after the surgery if needed. By donating their own blood, the patient eliminates the risk of transfusion reactions and reduces the need for donated blood from other sources.