title: Blood Transfusion Practices in Patients Undergoing Total Joint Replacement: A Research Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many studies show it is not necessary to transfuse according to a single hemoglobin level, but rather it is necessary to assess the combination of signs, symptoms, and laboratory measures.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients who underwent total hip or knee replacement.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study comprised 2 retrospective medical record reviews: Phase 1 included data prior to the RBC transfusion order set and elimination of autologous blood. Phase 2 included postimplementation data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were a decreased number of patients receiving blood transfusions after implementing the RBC transfusion order set and a decreased hemoglobin trigger value. The strongest predictor of receiving a blood transfusion was autologous blood donation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of the order set will decrease unnecessary transfusions hospital-wide.
authors.affiliation: Ileana Bonfante, MSN, ARNP, ACNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner, Baptist Hospital of Miami, Miami, FL.
authors.forename: Ileana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bonfante
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins