Red Blood Cell Transfusion

Publication Date: October 11, 2023
Last Updated: January 19, 2024

Recommendations for Adults

For hospitalized adult patients who are hemodynamically stable, the international panel recommends a restrictive RBC transfusion strategy in which the transfusion is considered when the hemoglobin concentration is less than 7 g/dL. (S, M)
In accordance with the restrictive strategy threshold used in most of the trials for subgroups of patients, clinicians may choose a threshold of 7.5 g/dL for patients undergoing cardiac surgery and 8 g/dL for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery or those with preexisting cardiovascular disease.
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Recommendations for Children

For critically ill children and hospitalized children at risk of critical illness who are hemodynamically stable and without a transfusion-dependent hemoglobinopathy, cyanotic cardiac condition, or severe hypoxemia, the international panel recommends a restrictive transfusion strategy in which a transfusion is considered when the hemoglobin level is less than 7 g/dL compared with one of less than 9.5 g/dL. (S, M)
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Overview

Title

Red Blood Cell Transfusion

Authoring Organization

Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies