Evolution in indications for blood component transfusion.
Indications for blood components are changing but continue to be based on a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory data. In the perioperative setting, some decisions must be made before laboratory data are available. To prevent the inappropriate usage of blood components, prophylactic or expectant treatment should be limited. In red cell transfusion, physiologic indices of oxygen utilization may soon supplement hemoglobin/hematocrit levels in clinical decision making. Less progress has been made in transfusion for hemostasis. Well-designed clinical studies are needed to answer remaining questions; in the interim, nationally accepted guidelines are available to assist clinicians in their decisions.
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Blood Systems, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona.
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000628:therapy; D016913:Blood Component Transfusion; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017713:Platelet Transfusion