METHODS Patients seen at the Norton Leatherman Spine Center scheduled to have decompression and fusion over 2 to 3 lumbar spine segments will be screened for the study. After obtaining informed consent, patients will be randomized to have a cell saver used intraoperatively (Cell Saver group) or no cell saver (Non-Cell Saver group). Data to be collected will include age, gender, smoking status, height, weight, co-morbidities, the use of medications that may increase bleeding (Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin), or increase blood production (Ferrous sulfate, erythropoietin) medications used to decrease intraoperative bleeding (Aprotinin, Tranexamic Acid); the use of hypotensive anesthesia, ASA Grade, indications for surgery, date of surgery, estimated blood loss, surgical approach, surgical levels, bone graft used, operative time, complications, length of stay, discharge information, whether or not patient pre-donated blood, hemoglobin, hematocrit and maximum body temperature prior to surgery and during the patient's hospital stay, surgical drain output, products transfused intraoperatively and postoperatively and the amount of cell saver salvaged, re-infused, and the cell-saver hematocrit and hemoglobin prior to re-infusion. The costs associated with the use of the cell-saver and/or blood transfusions, including supplies and personnel time, will be determined.