Red blood cell reinfusion to improve athletic performance.

In its usual form, this involves withdrawal of blood from an athlete, followed by re-infusion after a suitable period of time, usually 4 - 8 weeks, during which time the level of red blood cells had returned to its pre-withdrawal state. The addition of the extra blood would increase the amount of cells available to carry oxygen. This practice has been used to improve endurance. This is a banned practice at elite levels of sport and may be potentially dangerous.

The administration of blood, red blood cells and related blood products to an athlete, which may be preceded by withdrawal of blood from the athlete who continues to train in a blood-depleted state.