Practical Guidelines Blood Transfusion

Practice
Guidelines
for Blood
Transfusion
A Compilation from Recent

Peer-Reviewed Literature
Second Edition
First Edition, May 2002
Authors:
Ritchard Cable, M.D., Connecticut Region
Brian Carlson, M.D., Tennessee Valley Region
Linda Chambers, M.D., Biomedical Headquarters
Jerry Kolins, M.D., Southern California Region
Scott Murphy, M.D., Penn-Jersey Region
Lowell Tilzer, M.D., Central Plains Region
Ralph Vassallo, M.D., Penn-Jersey/NE Pennsylvania Regions
John Weiss, M.D., Badger-Hawkeye Region
Mary Ellen Wissel, M.D., Central Ohio Region
Second Edition, April 2007
Revised by:
Yvette Miller, M.D. (Chair), Arizona Region
Gary Bachowski, M.D., Ph.D., North Central Region
Richard Benjamin, M.D., Ph.D., Biomedical Headquarters
Diane K. Eklund, M.D., Northern California Region
A.J. Hibbard, M.D., Badger-Hawkeye Region
Thomas Lightfoot, M.D., New York-Penn Region
Claire Meena-Leist, M.D., Indiana-Ohio Region
NurJehan Quraishy, M.D., Western Lake Erie Region
Suneeti Sapatnekar, M.D., Ph.D., Northern Ohio Region
Jerry Squires, M.D., Ph.D., Biomedical Headquarters
Annie Strupp, M.D., Lewis and Clark Region
Ralph Vassallo, M.D., Penn-Jersey Region
John Weiss, M.D., Ph.D., Badger-Hawkeye Region
Graphic Designer: George Ramirez

Practice Guidelines for Blood Transfusion:
A Compilation from Recent
Peer-Reviewed Literature
Second Edition
© 2002, 2007 American National Red Cross, All Rights Reserved
Users of this brochure should refer to the Circular of Information
regarding the approved indications, contraindications and risks of
transfusion, and for additional descriptions of blood components.
Copies of the Circular of Information can be obtained from your
American Red Cross region or through the AABB (internet address
http://www.aabb.org). The complete text of the side effects and
hazards of blood transfusion from the current Circular of Information
appears in an appendix at the end of this brochure.
TABLE of CONTENTS
Introduction 5
Red Blood Cells
General Information 7
Utilization Guidelines 10
Platelets
Frozen Plasma
Cryoprecipitated-AHF
Role of the Hospital Transfusion Committee 43
Appendix: Side Effects and Hazards of

Blood Transfusion 47
References 56
INTRODUCTION
Accrediting and regulatory agencies make specific mention of blood

transfusion in a number of core functions essential to quality medical
care. For example, the need for transfusion is considered one of the
key parameters for determining the appropriateness of an operative
procedure. An acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to ABO
incompatibility is specifically identified as a reviewable sentinel event for
which a comprehensive analysis of cause, corrective action, preventive
action and reporting are required. Blood transfusion is acknowledged to
be a therapy that involves risks, so that the organization’s performance
monitoring and improvement program must address the use of blood
and blood components. Furthermore, a cross functional group of
medical and support staff is charged with the responsibility to take the
leadership role in improving transfusion practice when indicated.
Successful performance of these functions requires that the medical

staff agree to some set of practice guidelines for ordering blood
transfusion. Ideally, practice guidelines would be grounded in well-
designed clinical trials that clearly establish efficacy and quantify risk,
in at least the most common settings in which this therapy is applied.
The current literature does provide guidelines for some of the more
commonly encountered clinical situations. However, variability in
transfusion practice often reflects expert opinion, tradition, community
practice, or personal experience.
Given the known and hypothetical risks of transfusion, as well as

the cost, liability and workload involved with this therapy, there are
many reasons to move the basis of transfusion practice in a particular
institution away from anecdotal experience and tradition, and toward
expert advice and clinical evidence. This brochure was revised in order
to provide up to date blood usage guidelines from experts and expert
panels, as well as the results of significant clinical transfusion trials,
published in the English language in peer-reviewed journals since 2002.
The authors, all of whom are physician staff for the American Red Cross,
have made every attempt to fairly reproduce the advice and lessons
contained in these publications. It is their hope that this brochure
will be a valuable resource to hospitals who obtain blood and blood
components from the American Red Cross as they develop and update
their blood usage guidelines for the purpose of improving transfusion
safety.
© Dr. Dennis Kunkel /
Visuals Unlimited
RED BLOOD CELLS | GENERAL INFORMATION
Components:
Approved name: Red Blood Cells.
Also referred to as Packed Cells, Red Cells, Packed Red

Blood Cells, RBCs.
Preparation variations include Red Blood Cells (Adenine-

Saline Added); Red Blood Cells Leukocytes Reduced
(LR-RBC); Red Blood Cells Apheresis; Red Blood Cells
Deglycerolized; Red Blood Cells Irradiated; Red Blood
Cells, Low Volume; and Red Blood Cells Washed. Whole
blood is rarely required and is therefore not addressed.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Description of Components:
Red Blood Cells consist of erythrocytes concentrated

from whole blood donations by centrifugation or
collected by apheresis method. The component is
anticoagulated with citrate and may have had one or
more preservative solutions added.
Depending on the preservative-anticoagulant system

used, the hematocrit of Red Blood Cells ranges from
about 50-65% (e.g., AS-1, AS-3, AS-5) to about 65-80%
(e.g., CPDA-1, CPD, CP2D). Red Blood cells contain an
average of about 50 mL of donor plasma (range 20 mL
to 150 mL), in addition to the added preservative and
anticoagulant solutions.
Each unit contains approximately 42.5-80 g of

hemoglobin or 128-240 mL of pure red cells, depending
on the hemoglobin level of the donor, the starting
whole blood collection volume, and the collection
methodology or further processing. When leukoreduced,
RBC units must retain at least 85% of the red cells in the
original component.
Each unit of Red Blood Cells contains approximately 147-

278 mg of iron, most in the form of hemoglobin.
Ref. 6, 15

Selection and Preparation:
Red Blood Cells must be compatible with ABO antibodies

present in the recipient serum, and crossmatched
(serologic or electronic) to confirm compatibility with
ABO and other antibodies prior to routine transfusion.
Extended storage preservative-anticoagulant

preparations such as AS-1 and AS-3 are appropriate for
nearly all patient types. Physicians concerned about
preservative-anticoagulant in neonates may elect to
use a different preparation (e.g., CPD or CPDA-1) or to
remove preservative-anticoagulant from transfusion
aliquots prior to administration, for example, by
centrifugation and volume reduction or washing.
Red Blood Cells are capable of transmitting

cytomegalovirus, mediating graft-versus-host disease
and causing febrile, nonhemolytic reactions. For
recipients at particular risk from these transfusion-
related complications, use of CMV reduced-risk (i.e.
CMV seronegative or LR-RBC), gamma-irradiated and
leukoreduced preparations should be considered.
Dosing:
A dose of one unit of compatible Red Blood Cells will

increase the hemoglobin level in an average sized adult
who is not bleeding or hemolyzing by approximately 1
g/dL or Hct by 3%. In neonates, a dose of 10-15 mL/kg is
generally given, and AS-1 or AS-3 packed red cells with
a hematocrit of approximately 60% will increase the
hemoglobin by about 3 g/dL.
Response:
Unless the recipient is bleeding or hemolyzing, and

provided the transfused red cells are compatible,
the post-transfusion hemoglobin can be accurately
predicted from the patient’s estimated blood volume,
baseline red cell volume (=blood volume X venous

hematocrit X 0.91) and transfusion volume.
Transfused red cells have a half-life of approximately 30

days in the absence of other processes that would result
in red cell loss or premature removal.
Ref. 27
Indications and Contra-indications:
Red blood cells are indicated for patients with a

symptomatic deficiency of oxygen-carrying capacity or
tissue hypoxia due to an inadequate circulating red cell
GENERAL INFORMATION
mass. They are also indicated for exchange transfusion
(e.g., for hemolytic disease of the newborn) and red cell
exchange (e.g., for acute chest syndrome in sickle cell
disease).
Patients must be evaluated individually to determine

the proper transfusion therapy, taking care to avoid
inappropriate over- or under- transfusion. Transfusion
decisions should be based on clinical assessment and
not on laboratory values alone.
Red blood cells should not be used to treat anemia that

can be corrected with a non-transfusion therapy (e.g.
iron therapy). They also should not be used as a source of
blood volume, or oncotic pressure or to improve wound
healing, or sense of well being.
For complete Side Effects and Hazards see appendix.

10 RED BLOOD CELLS | UTILIZATION GUIDELINES
Perioperative/Periprocedural:
General:
The function of a RBC transfusion is to augment
oxygen delivery to tissues. Hemoglobin levels during
active bleeding are imprecise measures of tissue
oxygenation. Adequate or inadequate fluid resuscitation
can significantly alter the measured hemoglobin
concentration. In addition, a number of factors must be
considered besides the blood hemoglobin level such
as oxygenation in the lungs, blood flow, hemoglobin-
oxygen affinity and tissue demands for oxygen.
Consequently, the adequacy of oxygen delivery must be

assessed in individual patients, particularly in patients
with limited cardiac reserve or significant atherosclerotic
vascular disease. If available, mixed venous O2 levels, O2
extraction ratios, or changes in oxygen consumption
may be helpful in assessing tissue oxygenation. Other
factors to consider, in addition to the above, include
anticipated degree and rate of blood loss and the effect
of body temperature or drugs/anesthetics on oxygen
consumption. Notwithstanding the above, the following
recommendations are made by an American Society of
Anesthesiologists Task Force:
1. Transfusion is rarely indicated when the hemoglobin

level is above 10 g/dL and is almost always indicated in
patients when the hemoglobin level is below 6 g/dL;
2. The determination of transfusion in patients whose

hemoglobin level is 6-10 g/dL should be based on
any ongoing indication of organ ischemia, the rate
and magnitude of any potential or actual bleeding,
the patient’s intravascular volume status and risk of
complications due to inadequate oxygenation.
The use of alternative measures to reduce allogeneic red

cell use should be considered, including preoperative
autologous donation, intra-operative and post-operative
autologous blood recovery, acute normovolemic
hemodilution, and operative and pharmacologic
11
measures that reduce blood loss.

Ref. 7
Critical Care:
General:
The same considerations regarding individualization of

red cell transfusions apply to critical care as perioperative
patients (see above). The effects of anemia must be
separated from those of hypovolemia, although both
can impede tissue oxygen delivery. Blood loss of greater
UTILIZATION GUIDELINES
than 30% of blood volume causes significant clinical
symptoms but resuscitation with crystalloid alone is
usually successful in young healthy patients with blood
loss of up to 40% of blood volume (e.g., 2- liter blood
loss in an average adult male). Beyond that level of
acute blood loss after adequate volume resuscitation,
acute normovolemic anemia will exist. However, oxygen
delivery in healthy adults is maintained even with
hemoglobin levels as low as 6-7 g/dL. Thus up to 40%
of the blood volume in a bleeding, otherwise healthy
young adult can be replaced with crystalloid without the
need for red cell transfusion.
In support of a conservative red cell transfusion policy in

critical care is a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial
comparing a transfusion trigger of 7 g/dL with a trigger
of 9 g/dL in normovolemic critically ill patients. Overall
30-day mortality was similar in the two groups and in
the subset of more seriously ill patients. However, in less
acutely ill or younger patients, the restrictive strategy
resulted in lower 30-day mortality.
In support of considering cardiovascular status in the

decision to transfuse red cells is a retrospective study
of transfusion in elderly patients with acute myocardial
infarction which showed lower short-term mortality
when patients were transfused with a hemoglobin as
high as 10 g/dL.
Thus, transfusion triggers for red cells in critical care

12
must be customized to defined patient groups, and

the decision to transfuse must be made on the basis
of individual patient characteristics. Unfortunately, the
availability of carefully performed clinical trials to assist
the clinician is extremely limited.
Ref. 24, 62
Neonates:
Neonates and Critically Ill Children:
Infants may require simple or exchange transfusions for

hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) or symptomatic
anemia in the first months of life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published

guidance on specific indications for exchange transfusion
for newborn infants 35 or more weeks of gestation with
hyperbilirubinemia, including that caused by HDN.
Infants with jaundice caused by HDN are at greater
risk of bilirubin encephalopathy and are treated more
intensively than infants with “physiologic” jaundice at any
given serum unconjugated bilirubin concentration.
Ref. 3
Apart from HDN, neonatal anemia occurs in many
preterm infants because of iatrogenic blood loss for
laboratory tests, concurrent infection or illness and
inadequate hematopoiesis in the first weeks of life.
Transfusion thresholds for preterm infants and critically
ill children have been widely debated for years, but
recent randomized studies support the use of a
restrictive strategy (e.g. transfusion at lower hemoglobin
thresholds) compared to more liberal criteria (e.g.
transfusion at higher hemoglobin thresholds).
In the multicenter PINT (Premature Infants in Need of

Transfusion) study, 451 very low birthweight infants were
randomly assigned to receive red cell transfusions either
by restrictive or liberal criteria. Infants in the restrictive
transfusion group had lower mean hemoglobin values
than infants in the liberal group, and more infants
13
avoided transfusion completely in the restrictive group

(5%) compared to the liberal group (11%). There was no
difference between the two groups in the composite
outcome (death, severe retinopathy, bronchopulmonary
dysplasia, and brain injury), supporting the use of
restrictive transfusion criteria. In a smaller, single-
center trial, Bell et al. randomized 100 preterm infants
to either restrictive or liberal transfusion criteria, and
found a reduction in the number of transfusions in the
restrictive group. However, infants in the restrictive
group were noted to have more apnea episodes and
neurologic events than infants in the liberal group.
In conclusion, the documented benefits of restrictive
transfusion practice are a decrease in the number of
transfusions and exposure to fewer RBC donors, if a
limited-donor program is not used. It is possible that
the higher hemoglobin values maintained in the liberal
transfusion group in the study of Bell et al. compared
with the corresponding group in the PINT trial may have
decreased the risk of apnea and brain injury.
These two randomized studies suggest that transfusion

thresholds can be lower than what are currently followed
in most hospitals, but identify the need for additional
clinical studies. General guidelines for transfusion must
take into consideration the infants’ cardiorespiratory
status but transfusion decisions must be tailored to the
individual patient.
14
Table: General Guidelines For Small-volume (10-15 mL/kg)

Transfusion To Infants:
Maintain HCT
Clinical Status
between :
Severe cardiopulmonary disease*

40-45%
(e.g., mechanical ventilation >0.35 FiO2)
Moderate cardiopulmonary disease (e.g. less

30-35% intensive assisted ventilation such as nasal CPAP or
supplemental oxygen)
30-35% Major surgery
Stable anemia, especially if unexplained breathing

20-30%
disorder or unexplained poor growth
*Must be defined by institution

Strauss R., ISBT Science Series 2006, 1:11-4, Blackwell Publishing Ltd., reprinted with
permission.
Ref. 11, 12, 26, 57
Less controversial are the results from the TRIPICU

(Transfusion Requirements in the Pediatric Intensive
Care Unit) study, which demonstrated a hemoglobin
threshold of 7 g/dL for red-cell blood transfusion is not
inferior to a treatment strategy using a hemoglobin
threshold of 9.5 g/dL among critically ill but stable
children being treated in ICUs. A higher threshold may
be indicated for patients with cardiovascular disease
or children with severe hypoxemia, hemodynamic
instability, active blood loss or cyanotic heart disease.
Ref. 17, 28, 57

15
Hematology/Oncology:
Asymptomatic Chronic Anemia:

Treat with pharmacologic agents based on the
specific diagnosis (e.g., Vit B12, folic acid, recombinant
erythropoietin, iron).
Symptomatic Chronic Anemia:

Transfuse to minimize symptoms and risks associated
with anemia. Transfusion is usually required when
hemoglobin is at 6 g/dL.
Severe Thalassemia:
Transfuse to help prevent symptomatic anemia and
suppress endogenous erythropoiesis by maintaining
hemoglobin at 9.5-10.5 g/dL.
Sickle Cell Disease:

Evidence-based clinical guidelines and consensus
statements have outlined indications for transfusion in
sickle cell disease. SCD patients should be transfused
with leukocyte-poor, antigen-matched blood to
reduce the frequency of transfusion reactions and the
development of antibodies. The choice between simple
transfusion as opposed to exchange transfusion is often
based on clinical judgment and available resources, with
few clinical studies to guide decisions. In preparation
for surgery requiring general anesthesia, however,
simple transfusion to increase hemoglobin to 10 g/dL
was as effective as exchange transfusion in preventing
perioperative complications in patients with sickle cell
anemia and was associated with less blood usage and a
lower rate of red cell alloimmunization.
Chronic transfusion therapy to maintain the HbS below

30% of the total hemoglobin prevents first stroke in high-
risk children with abnormal transcranial Doppler studies
and prevents recurrent stroke in those with a history of
infarctive stroke. The treatment goal for prevention of
recurrent stroke may be relaxed to less than 50% HbS
after several complication-free years, but treatment
16
cannot be safely discontinued at any point. Similarly,

prophylactic transfusion cannot be safely discontinued
in children with sickle cell anemia who have
abnormalities on transcranial Doppler studies at high
risk of stroke (STOP 2). In contrast to simple transfusion,
exchange transfusion can prevent iron accumulation
and may reverse iron overload in chronically transfused
patients.
Accepted Indications for Transfusion in Sickle Cell Disease:
Episodic or Acute
Chronic Complications of SCD
Complications of SCD
• Prevention of stroke in children

• Severe anemia with abnormal transcranial Doppler
studies*
• Acute splenic sequestration • Prevention of stroke recurrence*
• Transient red cell aplasia • Chronic debilitating pain
• Preparation for general

• Pulmonary hypertension
anesthesia
• Anemia associated with chronic renal

• Sudden severe illness*
failure
• Acute chest syndrome*
• Stroke*
• Acute multiorgan failure*
*Managed with simple transfusion or erythrocytapheresis
Ref. 2, 25, 30, 34, 59, 60

17
Controversial indications:
Priapism
Leg ulcers
Pregnancy
Preparation for infusion of contrast media
“Silent” cerebral infarct and/or neurocognitive damage
Inappropriate Indications and Contraindications:

• Chronic, steady-state (asymptomatic anemia)
• Uncomplicated pain episodes
• Infection
• Minor surgery that does not require general anesthesia
• Aseptic necrosis of the hip or shoulder (unless indicated
for surgery)
• Uncomplicated pregnancy
© Dr. Dennis Kunkel /
Visuals Unlimited
PLATELETS | GENERAL INFORMATION 19
Components:
Approved names: Platelets; Platelets Pooled; Platelets

Pheresis.
Platelets are also referred to as whole blood derived

platelets, random donor platelets, randoms, platelet
concentrates, or RDPs. Platelets Pheresis are also referred
to as single donor platelets, or SDPs.
Preparation variations include Platelets pre-storage

pooled, Platelets Irradiated; Platelets Pooled Irradiated;
Platelets Pheresis Irradiated; Platelets Leukocytes
GENERAL INFORMATION
Reduced; Platelets Pheresis Leukocytes Reduced; and
Platelets Pheresis, Leukocytes Reduced, Irradiated.
Platelets (RDP): derived from Whole Blood; should

contain ≥5.5 x 1010 platelets (average content
approximately 8.0 x 1010) per bag in approximately 50
mL of plasma. Anticoagulant is the same as used for the
whole blood collection, usually CPD or CP2D. Prestorage
pooled platelets should contain (≥ 5.5 x 1010 ) x number
of RDP in the pool.
Platelets Pheresis (SDP): obtained using automated

instrumentation; should contain ≥3.0 x 1011 platelets
(average content approximately 3.5-4.0 x 1011) per bag in
about 250 mL of plasma. Anticoagulant is ACD.
Selections and Preparations:
Four to ten RDPs are pooled at the blood center

(prestorage pooled platelets) or the hospital prior to
transfusion to prepare an adult dose. SDPs are ready for
transfusion.
SDPs and RDPs should be ABO-identical with the

recipient when possible.
20
Rh-negative recipients should receive Rh-negative

platelets when possible, particularly in women of
childbearing potential. Consider administering Rh
immune globulin if Rh-positive platelets need to be
administered.
Patients at risk for transfusion-associated graft-versus

host disease (TA-GVHD) should received gamma-
irradiated platelets.
Dosing:
Four to ten units of pooled RDPs or one SDP for

thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopathy meeting pre-
specified triggers.
To help prevent or treat bleeding, transfuse as needed to

maintain target platelet count.
Response:
Measure platelet count from 10 minutes to 3 hours after

transfusion. Generally, expect an adult platelet count
increment of approximately 7-10,000/ mm3 for each RDP
given, or 30-60,000/ mm3 for each SDP given. In neonates
and infants, a dose of 5-10 mL/kg of platelets (RDP or
SDP) should result in a 50-100,000/mm3 increment.
At least 7.1 x 109 platelets/L are consumed daily in

endothelial support functions, the equivalent of
approximately one RDP daily for a 70 kg adult with
marrow failure.
Response to platelet transfusion is adversely affected

by the presence of fever, sepsis, splenomegaly,
severe bleeding, consumptive coagulopathy, HLA
alloimmunization and treatment with certain drugs (e.g.,
amphotericin B).
Ref. 9, 41, 50, 51

21
Use to treat bleeding due to critically decreased

circulating platelet counts or functionally abnormal
platelets.
Use prophylactically to prevent bleeding at pre-specified

low platelet counts. In general, maintain platelet count
>10,000/mm3 in stable, non-bleeding patients, >20,000/
mm3 in unstable non-bleeding patients and >50,000/
mm3 in patients undergoing invasive procedures or
actively bleeding.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Do not use in patients with autoimmune
thrombocytopenia or thrombotic thrombocytopenic
purpura except for life-threatening hemorrhage.
Ref. 19
22 PLATELETS | UTILIZATION GUIDELINES
Perioperative/Periprocedural
Cardiothoracic Surgery:
a) Routine prophylactic transfusions are not required in

the absence of bleeding.
b) When coagulation parameters are not significantly
abnormal, counts <100,000/mm3 accompanied by major
unexpected microvascular bleeding are appropriately
treated with platelet transfusion.
Other Surgical Procedures:
a) Intraoperative platelet counts should be obtained to

guide transfusion. Microvascular bleeding in the setting
of potential dilutional thrombocytopenia may require
empiric transfusion before counts are available.
b) Prophylactic preoperative transfusion is rarely
required for counts >100,000/mm3, is usually required
for counts <50,000/mm3 and is guided by risk factors for
intermediate counts.
c) Procedures with insignificant blood loss or vaginal
deliveries can be performed at counts <50,000/mm3
without prophylactic transfusion.
d) Neurologic or ophthalmologic procedures require a
platelet count near 100,000/mm3.
e) Transfusion may be required with apparently
adequate counts when known or suspected platelet
dysfunction results in microvascular bleeding.
Specific Procedures:
a) When prophylactic transfusion is deemed necessary,

a post-transfusion count should be obtained to assure
an appropriate increment before performance of the
procedure.
b) In the absence of other coagulopathy, major invasive
procedures require platelet counts of at least 40,000 to
50,000/mm3 (including CVP placement, paracentesis
/ thoracentesis, respiratory tract / GI biopsies, closed
liver biopsy, lumbar puncture, sinus aspiration & dental
23
extraction).
c) A threshold of 80,000/mm3 has been proposed for
spinal epidural anesthesia.
d) Fiberoptic bronchoscopy without biopsy by an
experienced operator may be safely performed in the
presence of a platelet count <20,000/mm3.
e) GI endoscopy without biopsy may be safely performed
at platelet counts <20,000/mm3.
Platelet Function Defects:
Patients with congenital or acquired defects in platelet
function may be transfused for critical bleeding
or before major surgery regardless of the platelet
count. Transfusion is generally not indicated when
platelet dysfunction is extrinsic to the platelet (e.g.,
uremia, certain types of von Willebrand Disease,
hyperglobulinemia) since transfused platelets function
no better than the patient’s own platelets. When platelet
surface glycoproteins are missing (e.g., Glanzmann
Thrombasthenia, Bernard-Soulier Syndrome), transfusion
should be undertaken only when more conservative
efforts to manage bleeding fail since alloimmunization
may cause future life-threatening refractoriness.
Antiplatelet Agents:
Thienopyridine platelet ADP receptor inhibitors

and direct glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors impair
platelet function. Platelets should not be transfused
prophylactically without thrombocytopenia, but high
dose therapeutic transfusion may be required for life-
threatening hemorrhage in patients on these drugs.
Neonates:
Neonates undergoing invasive procedures / minor

surgery or experiencing clinically significant bleeding
may be transfused at <50,000/mm3. For major surgery
or bleeding in the face of additional hemostatic stressors
(e.g., disseminated intravascular coagulation, necrotizing
24
enterocolitis) transfusion is appropriate at counts

<100,000/mm3.
Ref. 4, 5, 7, 9, 20, 29, 42
Critical Care:
Massive Transfusion:
A transfusion target of >50,000/mm3 is recommended for
acutely bleeding patients and >100,000/mm3 for those with
multiple trauma or CNS injury. The platelet count may fall
below 50,000/mm3 when >1.5–2 blood volumes have been
replaced with red cells. In the presence of microvascular
bleeding, transfusion may be appropriate when counts are
known or suspected to be <100,000/mm3.
Disseminated/Local Intravascular Coagulation

(DIC/LIC) and/or Sepsis:
Microvascular bleeding is treated in children and
adults with platelet counts <50,000/mm3 or neonates
<100,000/mm3.
Neonates:
A prophylactic transfusion trigger of <20,000/mm3 for stable
neonates at term, or <30,000/mm3 for stable premature
neonates, is justified. High-risk neonates (those with extremely
low birthweight, perinatal asphyxia, sepsis, ventilatory
assistance with an FIO2>40% or clinical instability) may
be transfused at <30,000/mm3 at term or <50,000/mm3 if
premature.
Infants on extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMO) are

usually transfused to maintain a platelet count >100,000/mm3.
Ref. 7, 8, 14, 29, 40, 43, 46, 55

25
Hematology/Oncology:
Acute Leukemia and Following High

Dose Chemotherapy:
A prophylactic transfusion trigger of ≤10,000/mm3 may
be used for stable patients, except as noted below.
Patient-specific clinical data may increase the threshold
at which prophylactic transfusion is desirable (e.g.,
major/minor bleeding, coagulopathy, drug-induced
platelet dysfunction, fever/sepsis, hyperleukocytosis,
planned procedures, use of antithymocyte globulin,
serious mucositis or cystitis, acute graft-versus-host
disease, liver dysfunction/veno-occlusive disease or rapid
decline in counts). Prophylactic platelets may also be
given at higher counts when availability of compatible
platelet products is reduced (e.g., short-dated matched
units).
Higher-than-usual doses of platelets result in longer

intervals between transfusions which may be of value in
the outpatient setting.
Therapeutic transfusion for major bleeding should

maintain counts ≥50,000/mm3.
Chemotherapy for Solid Tumors:

The usual prophylactic transfusion trigger is ≤10,000/
mm3. The greater risk of bleeding from bladder
neoplasms / necrotic tumors and the serious impact
of even minor bleeding in patients with limited
physiologic reserve may warrant a transfusion trigger of
≤20,000/mm3.
Transfusion Refractoriness:
a) Post-transfusion platelet counts obtained 10-60
minutes after infusion should be obtained whenever
possible. The 10-60 minute post infusion count
measures transfusion recovery which is most
sensitive to immune platelet destruction. Post-
infusion counts at 24 hours assess platelet survival,
which is more sensitive to non-immune factors such
26
as sepsis, splenomegaly, DIC, etc. The American

Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that
additional products be given if post transfusion
counts are unacceptable.
b) Alloimmune refractoriness is more likely in the
setting of at least two consecutive poor platelet
increments at 10-60 minutes after transfusion.
Alloimmunization should be confirmed by
demonstration of antibodies to platelets (e.g., to
human leukocyte antigens [HLA] or human platelet
antigens [HPA]). Single donor products identified by
HLA/HPA matching and/or crossmatching should be
transfused. In the absence of HLA/HPA-compatible
products, fresh ABO-compatible units are preferred.
c) The incidence of HLA alloimmunization has been
shown to be reduced by the use of leukoreduced
blood products (platelets and RBCs) in any patient
expected to receive multiple platelet transfusions
during the course of therapy.
d) Severely alloimmunized patients who do not
respond to available matched products do not
benefit from unmatched prophylactic platelet
transfusions and should only be transfused for active
bleeding.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP):

a) Patients who experience major, life-threatening
bleeding or intraoperative hemorrhage should
receive high-dose platelet transfusions.
b) Prophylactic transfusions are usually inappropriate
since transfused platelets do not survive any longer
than patients’ native platelets. Transfusion may
be considered before elective splenectomy with
platelet counts ≤10,000/mm3.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia with
Thrombosis (HITT):
Due to the significant risk of fatal thrombosis, platelets
27
should only be transfused in the setting of life-

threatening hemorrhage.
Post-Transfusion Purpura (PTP):

Platelets may be used therapeutically for severe
bleeding. Transfusion of randomly selected platelets
is usually ineffective. Though efficacy is not well
documented, human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a (PlA1)-
negative platelets are frequently given empirically while
specific alloantibody testing is in progress. High-dose
intravenous immunoglobulin is the treatment of choice
for PTP.
Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT):
Platelets should lack the HPA recognized by circulating
maternal antibodies, although concentrates from
random donors may be effective when matched platelets
are unavailable. If maternal platelets are used, they
should be washed or volume-reduced and irradiated.
Aplastic Anemia:
Transfuse stable patients prophylactically at counts
≤5,000/mm3 and patients with fever or minor
hemorrhage at counts 6,000-10,000/mm3.
Ref. 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 41, 42, 43, 50

28
© Dr. Donald Fawcett /

Visuals Unlimited
FROZEN PLASMA | GENERAL INFORMATION 29
Components:
Approved name: Fresh frozen plasma, Fresh frozen

plasma donor retested, Plasma frozen within 24 hours
after phlebotomy, Plasma cryoprecipitate reduced.
Also referred to as FFP, FP24, plasma or cryo poor

plasma.
Preparation variations include:

Thawed Plasma, Liquid Plasma.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Plasma consists of the noncellular portion of blood

that is separated and frozen after donation. It may
be prepared from whole blood or collected by
apheresis. The anticoagulant solution used and the
volume are indicated on the label. The volume of the
unit is approximately 250 mL but variation may be
expected. FFP is frozen at -18C or colder within 6-8
h of collection (depending upon the anticoagulant)
and contains functional quantities of all coagulation
factors. Plasma frozen within 24 hours (FP24) and
thawed plasma may contain variably reduced levels
of Factor V and Factor VIII, Despite these differences,
FP24, thawed plasma and FFP are generally used for
the same indications.
Plasma, cryoprecipitate reduced contains 20-30%

reduced levels of Factor VIII, von Willebrands’ factor,
fibrinogen, fibronectin and Factor XIII.
By convention, 1 U of a coagulation factor is defined

as that activity present in each milliliter of a standard
pool of plasma units.
Ref. 15, 35, 37

30
Plasma for transfusion must be ABO-compatible with

the recipient’s red cells, for example, group A Plasma
is suitable for group A and group O patients. Group AB
Plasma is suitable for all blood types. Frozen Plasma
must be thawed, usually in a water bath, and infused
immediately or stored at 1-6oC for up to 24 hours.
FFP and FP24 may be relabeled as Thawed Plasma
and used as a source of stable coagulation factors for
up to 5 days, unless it was collected by apheresis in
an open collection system. Plasma, cryoprecipitate
reduced is indicated in the treatment of Thrombotic
Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP).
Ref. 19, 35, 37
Dosing:
The dose of plasma is determined by the patient

size and clinical condition. When used to correct
multiple coagulation factor deficiencies, plasma
transfusion should be guided by coagulation
testing. A prothrombin time (PT) greater than 1.5
times the mid-range of normal, an activated partial
thromboplastin time (APTT) greater than 1.5 times
the top of the normal range, or factor assay less than
25%, can be used as thresholds at which therapeutic
or prophylactic replacement may be indicated in an
appropriate clinical setting. When such testing is not
readily available, clinical evidence of bleeding may be
used to direct transfusion decisions. Plasma should
be administered in doses calculated to achieve a
minimum of 30% of plasma factor concentration. This
is usually achieved with the administration of 10-20
mL/kg, though more may be required depending
upon the clinical situation.
When used to correct isolated coagulation factor

deficiencies for which no concentrated preparation is
available (e.g., factor V, or XI), dosing will depend on
the half-life of the specific factor, the pretransfusion
31
level of the factor, the desired post transfusion level

and the duration of raised levels required.
Ref. 7, 18, 38
TTP initially requires exchange of 1 – 1.5 plasma

volume daily and may need to be increased to twice-
daily single plasma volume exchanges in refractory
patients. The volume and/or frequency of exchange
may be tapered as disease activity declines.
Response:
GENERAL INFORMATION
Frozen Plasma used to correct coagulation
abnormalities should stop bleeding and bring
the APTT and PT within the hemostatic range, but
transfusion will not always correct these values, or the
correction may be transient.
Frozen Plasma used to treat TTP should result in an

increasing platelet count associated with a decrease in
serum lactate dehydrogenase.
Frozen Plasma is indicated for use in patients with the

following conditions:
1. Active bleeding due to deficiency of multiple
coagulation factors, or risk of bleeding due to
deficiency of multiple coagulation factors.
2. Severe bleeding due to warfarin therapy, or urgent
reversal of warfarin effect
3. Massive transfusion with coagulopathic bleeding.
4. Bleeding or prophylaxis of bleeding for a known
single coagulation factor deficiency for which no
concentrate is available.
5. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
6. Rare specific plasma protein deficiencies, such as C1-
inhibitor.
32
Frozen Plasma should not be used for

1. Increasing blood volume or albumin concentration
2. Coagulopathy that can be corrected with
administration of Vitamin K.
3. Normalizing abnormal coagulation screen results, in
the absence of bleeding.
Ref. 1, 7, 15
FROZEN PLASMA | UTILIZATION GUIDELINES 33
Perioperative:
Warfarin and Liver Disease:

Frozen Plasma may be used to treat multiple coagulation
factors (e.g., liver disease) prior to an invasive procedure
that would create a risk of bleeding. However, the
response may be unpredictable and complete
normalization of the hemostatic defect does not occur.
Patients with liver disease or those taking warfarin
may safely undergo operative or invasive procedures
when the PT is ≤1.5 times mid-range normal.
Frozen Plasma is indicated for patients on
warfarin only if there is serious bleeding or urgent
reversal of warfarin effect is necessary. Other
patients can be treated simply with withdrawal
of warfarin and administration of vitamin K.
Factor Deficiency:
Prophylactic correction of a known factor deficiency
for which specific concentrates are unavailable
is guided by recommended perioperative
hemostatic levels for each type of procedure.
Massive Transfusion and Cardiopulmonary

Bypass:
Frozen Plasma may be used to treat excessive
microvascular bleeding, as determined on visual
assessment of the operative field jointly by the
anesthesiologist and surgeon when the coagulation
screening test results are abnormal or not available in a
timely fashion. However, microvascular bleeding may be
a result of hypofibrinogenemia or residual heparin effect.
Ref. 7, 18, 38, 47
Oncology: See Critical Care

34
Critical Care:
Warfarin:
Patients on warfarin who experience serious bleeding
are treated with Vitamin K (at a dose determined
by the INR) and Frozen Plasma or prothrombin
complex concentrates as clinically warranted.
Acute Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation:

Addressing the underlying cause is the foundation
of treatment, and the patient is supported with
transfusion of Frozen Plasma in combination with
Platelets and Cryoprecipitate. If there is no bleeding,
blood products are not indicated prophylactically,
regardless of the results of laboratory tests.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:

If plasma exchange is not immediately available,
simple transfusion of plasma can be a useful
alternative until exchange can be started.
Ref. 7, 18, 38
Hematology:
Specific Plasma Protein Deficiencies:

Deficiencies of other isolated plasma proteins and
factors in a setting where concentrates are not readily
available are also treated with Frozen Plasma:
a) Treatment or prophylaxis of thromboembolism in

antithrombin, protein C and protein S deficiencies.
b) Heparin resistance (antithrombin III deficiency) in a
patient requiring heparin
c) Therapy of acute angioedema or preoperative
prophylaxis in hereditary C1-inhibitor deficiency.
Ref. 7, 18, 38
35
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CRYOPRECIPITATED AHF | GENERAL INFORMATION 37
Components:
Approved names: Cryoprecipitated Antihemophilic

Factor (AHF); Cryoprecipitated AHF, Pooled.
Also referred to as cryoprecipitate, cryoprecipitate

pool, cryo, pooled cryo.
A cryoprecipitate unit is prepared by thawing one unit

of FFP between 1-6oC and recovering the cold insoluble
GENERAL INFORMATION
precipitate. The cryoprecipitate is refrozen within 1 hour.
If the label indicates “Cryoprecipitated AHF,

Pooled,” several units of cryoprecipitate have been
pooled into one bag, and the volume of the pool is
indicated on the label.
Cryoprecipitate contains concentrated levels of

fibrinogen, Factor VIII:C, Factor VIII:vWF (von Willebrand
factor), Factor XIII, and fibronectin.
Each unit of cryoprecipitate should contain at least 80

IU Factor VIII:C and 150 mg of fibrinogen in 5-20mL of
plasma.
Cryoprecipitate is considered to be an acellular blood

component. Compatibility testing is unnecessary.
Rh type need not be considered. It is preferable to
use cryoprecipitate that is ABO-compatible with the
recipient’s red cells.
CMV testing and leukoreduction are not required. Frozen

cryoprecipitate is thawed in a protective plastic overwrap
in a waterbath at 30-37oC up to 15 minutes. Thawed
cryoprecipitate should be kept at room temperature and
transfused as soon as possible after thawing or within 6
hours if it is a closed single unit or has been pooled prior
to freezing. It should be transfused within 4 hours if it is
38
an open system or units have been pooled after thawing.
For pooling, the precipitate in each unit should be mixed

well with 10 –15 mL of diluent (0.9% Sodium Choride,
Injection USP) to ensure complete removal of all material
from the container. Cryoprecipitate pooled prior to
freezing requires no extra diluent.
Dosing:
The number of cryoprecipitate units can be estimated by

using the following calculation
· Weight (Kg) x 70mL/Kg = blood volume (mL)
· Blood volume (mL) x (1.0-hematocrit) = plasma
volume(mL)
· fibrinogen required (mg) = (desired fibrinogen level
(mg/dL) - initial fibrinogen level (mg/dL)) multiplied
by (plasma volume (mL) divided by 100).
· Bags of cryo required = mg fibrinogen required
divided by 250 mg fibrinogen per bag of cryo.
The frequency of dosing depends on the half-life and

recovery of the coagulation factor that is being replaced
(check factor levels).
A typical dose for the treatment of hypofibrinogenemia

is one cryoprecipitate unit per 7 - 10 kg of body weight.
Ref. 15
Response:
Pretransfusion and posttransfusion coagulation factor

levels should be determined to assess the adequacy of
the cryoprecipitate dose.
One unit of cryoprecipitate per 10 kg of body weight

raises plasma fibrinogen concentration by ~ 50 mg/dL
in the absence of continued consumption or massive
bleeding (assuming minimum fibrinogen content per
bag of cryo).
39
Indications and Contra-indications
Cryoprecipitate is indicated for bleeding associated with

fibrinogen deficiencies and Factor XIII deficiency.
Patients with hemophilia A or von Willebrand’s

disease (vWD) should only be treated with
cryoprecipitate when appropriate Factor VIII
concentrates or Factor VIII concentrates containing FVIII:
vWF are not available.
Do not transfuse cryoprecipitate unless laboratory

studies confirm deficiency of a specific clotting protein
GENERAL INFORMATION
for which this component is indicated (e.g. fibrinogen).
Ref. 15
40 CRYOPRECIPITATED AHF | UTILIZATION GUIDELINES
Perioperative:
Fibrin Sealant:
Both autologous and allogeneic cryoprecipitate units have
been used in the preparation of fibrin sealant for topical use,
but commercially produced, viral inactivated fibrin sealant
is preferable with respect to safety and efficacy.
Ref. 58
Oncology:
Hypofibrinogenemia / dysfibrinogenemia:
Transfuse for bleeding associated with fibrinogen levels <100
to 120 mg/dL or reduced functional levels of fibrinogen.
Ref. 22
Critical Care
Cryoprecipitate is especially useful when it is not

possible to give enough FFP to provide adequate levels
of fibrinogen without volume overloading the patient.
Cryoprecipitate has been used for uremic bleeding,

but efficacy has not been clearly demonstrated, and
1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) and other
modalities are preferred.
Cryoprecipitate should not be used in the critical

care setting as a source of fibronectin to improve
reticuloendothelial system function.
Massive Transfusion:
Transfuse for bleeding in massively transfused patients
when the fibrinogen level is documented to be <100
mg/dL. This not likely to occur until after ~1 1/2 blood
volumes are replaced.
Hypofibrinogenemia / dysfibrinogenemia:
Transfuse for bleeding. Most cases of
hypofibrinogenemia/ dysfibrinogenemia in critical care
41
are associated with DIC or hepatic insufficiency.
Ref. 31
Hematology
Congenital fibrinogen deficiencies are uncommon, and

are variably associated with bleeding. The treatment of
patients with an isolated fibrinogen deficiency should be
reserved for episodes of clinical bleeding, or when there
is a significant risk of bleeding complications due to an
invasive procedure or pregnancy.
For hemophilia A or vWD, cryoprecipitate should only
be used if appropriate recombinant or virus- inactivated
Factor VIII or Factor VIII:vWF concentrates are not available.
DDAVP is the treatment of choice for type 1 vWD.
Congenital afibrinogenemia / Congenital and acquired

dysfibrinogenemia:
Transfuse for bleeding or risk of bleeding associated
with a fibrinogen level <100 mg/dL by a quantitative or
functional assay.
Factor XIII deficiency (Rare):

a) Transfuse for bleeding and prophylaxis.
b) Factor XIII deficiency is rare, and characterized by
bleeding and poor wound healing.
c) Factor XIII has a half-life of 4 to 14 days, and only ~ 1-5%
activity levels are needed to control bleeding. Newborns
with Factor XIII deficiency should be placed on a
prophylactic regimen of replacement therapy because of
the high incidence of intracranial hemorrhage.
d) Virus inactivated Factor XIII concentrates are preferred
for the treatment of Factor XIII deficient patients, but
are not readily available. Cryoprecipitate can be given
in doses of one bag per 10-20 kg of body weight every
3 to 4 weeks. FFP can also be used.
Ref. 4, 8, 15, 31
ROLE OF THE HOSPITAL 43
TRANSFUSION COMMITTEE
Description:
Hospitals are required by accrediting and regulatory

agencies (e.g., Joint Commission, AABB and College of
American Pathologists) to ensure appropriate use of
blood products. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
requires a hospital to develop, implement, and maintain
an effective, ongoing, hospital-wide, data-driven quality
assessment and performance improvement program.
A hospital’s transfusion practices should fall under
such a program. How this is accomplished may vary
from hospital to hospital. Some maintain a Transfusion
Committee dedicated solely to this function. Others may
charge a Quality Assurance Committee or a Blood and
Tissue Committee with this task. For the most part, the
accrediting and regulatory agencies do not specify how
this peer review function is accomplished, as long as it is
being performed.
The responsible committee should address through

review or audit the following aspects of blood utilization
(list may not be all inclusive):
01. Blood ordering practices

02. Blood refusal practices
03. Patient identification
04. Sample collection and labeling
05. Pretransfusion testing orders
06. Distribution, handling and dispensing
07. Blood administration policies
08. Infectious and non-infectious adverse events
09. Monitoring of patients for appropriate responses
10. Medical errors, near misses and sentinel events
11. Appropriate utilization
12. Wastage and discard rates
13. Ability of transfusion services to meet patient needs
14. Clinical alternatives to blood transfusion
(perioperative salvage)
44
Membership and Structure:
This multidisciplinary committee should include

representatives from the Medical Staff (surgery,
anesthesia, medicine, hematology, pediatrics), Nursing,
Hospital Administration, the Transfusion Service and
other interested parties as applicable. Confidentiality
rules apply. If guests are invited, they may be excused
during discussions with potential liability issues. The
Medical Director of the Transfusion Service is a vital
member of the committee who may or may not serve
as chairperson. The chairperson should, however, be a
physician knowledgeable in transfusion medicine.
The committee should establish guidelines for

administration of each of the blood components
transfused in the institution, using current medical
literature as a resource.
The transfusion guidelines should be approved by the

Medical Staff prior to implementation. Transfusion
guidelines are intended to remind ordering physicians
of the transfusion practices for which there is general
support and clinical trial evidence. Guidelines cannot be
expected to cover every instance in which a transfusion
is indicated. In every case, however, the rationale for
transfusion should be clearly documented in the medical
record.
Process:
The review of transfusions can be done prospectively by

transfusion service personnel (before blood is issued)
or retrospectively by the Transfusion Committee (after
blood is issued) for certain high cost blood products,
prospective review may be appropriate to prevent
unnecessary transfusions. Similarly, prospective review
of potentially inappropriate orders, for example, an order
for platelet transfusion to a patient with thrombotic
thrombocytopenic purpura or an order for four units of
red blood cells for a child, may also require review prior
to blood issue. For most transfusions and blood products,
45
however, involving large numbers of transfusions and

patients, retrospective reviews are adequate and most
commonly used.
For each transfusion, the following information

should be documented:
1. Physician order
2. Indication for transfusion
3. Informed patient consent
4. Patient identification checks
5. Blood component issuance documentation
6. Patient monitoring during transfusion
7. Assessment of patient outcome
8. Applicable lab or clinical results before and after
transfusion
Trained hospital quality assurance or compliance

staff can do chart or electronic record reviews, using
the approved transfusion guidelines developed by
the committee. When there are questions about the
indications and results of a transfusion, the clinical
records should be peer reviewed or reviewed at the
transfusion committee meeting.
If the transfusion committee is unable to determine a

justification for the transfusion, the patient’s physician
should be contacted for additional information. If the
additional information does not justify the transfusion;
there is an opportunity to educate the patient’s
physician. If the letter is ignored or if repeated unjustified
transfusion practices are noted, a department chair or
credentialing committee may need to be involved in the
review process.
Monitors:
Blood usage should be monitored by whichever

parameters are most useful for the institution: by
physician, by clinical department, by diagnosis
(Diagnosis-Related Groups), or by surgical procedures In
addition, the Transfusion Committee must ensure that
blood is administered correctly. Before a transfusion
46
is given there must be informed consent according

to the institutional procedures, confirmation that the
component is intended for the patient and is not expired,
and verification of the patient’s identity.
The wastage of all blood components, both allogeneic

and autologous, should be monitored. The committee
should review adverse reactions to blood products. The
committee must also ensure that a mechanism exists
for reporting and evaluation of suspected transfusion-
transmitted diseases.
Reports:
The Transfusion Committee or its equivalent, should

document activities by minutes and generate reports of
its work for submission to other entities of the hospital
(e.g., clinical departments of the Medical Staff, the
Medical Staff Executive Committee, the Clinical Practices
Committee, the Credentials Committee). The intent of
this reporting is to provide other peer review committees
with the results of reviews of transfusion related patient
care. These minutes can be protected from inappropriate
legal discovery as a critical component of an institutions
quality monitoring program.
Summary:
Hospitals are required to review blood transfusion

practices and adverse outcomes. Accrediting and
regulatory agencies do not specify how this peer
review function is accomplished, as long as it is being
performed.
The work of auditing and monitoring blood

utilization is not sophisticated. It is simply a matter
of having appropriate policies and procedures in
place, reviewing and revising them as necessary, and
monitoring that they are followed.
Ref. 23, 39, 44, 56

APPENDIX: SIDE EFFECTS AND HAZARDS OF 47
BLOOD TRANSFUSION
The following sections are reproduced from the July 2002 Circular of
Information:
A. General
The following side effects and hazards pertain to transfusion of Whole

Blood or any component prepared from blood collected from individual
donors.
Immunologic Complications, Immediate
1. Hemolytic transfusion reaction, the destruction of transfused red

cells, is discussed in detail in the section on red-cell-containing
components.
2. Immune-mediated platelet destruction, one of the causes of

refractoriness to platelet transfusion, is the result of alloantibodies
in the recipient to HLA or platelet-specific antigens on transfused
platelets. This is described in more detail in the section on Platelets.
APPENDIX
3. Febrile nonhemolytic reaction is typically manifested by a temperature
elevation of ≥ 1 C or 2 F occurring during or shortly after a transfusion
and in the absence of any other pyrexic stimulus. This may reflect the
action of antibodies against white cells or the action of cytokines,
either present in the transfused component or generated by the
recipient in response to transfused elements. Febrile reactions may
accompany about 1% of transfusions; and they occur more frequently
in patients previously alloimmunized by transfusion or pregnancy.
No routinely available pre- or posttransfusion tests are helpful in
predicting or preventing these reactions. Antipyretics usually provide
effective symptomatic relief. Patients who experience repeated,
severe febrile reactions may benefit from receiving leukocyte-
reduced components. If these reactions are due to cytokines in the
component, prestorage leukocyte reduction may be beneficial.
4. Allergic reactions usually occur as urticaria, but may also include

wheezing or angioedematous reactions. No laboratory procedures
are available to predict or prevent these reactions, which usually
respond to antihistamines or, in severe cases, corticosteroids or
epinephrine.
48
5. Anaphylactoid reactions, characterized by autonomic dysregulation,

severe dyspnea, pulmonary and/or laryngeal edema, and
bronchospasm and/or laryngospasm, are a rare but dangerous
complication requiring immediate treatment with corticosteroids and
epinephrine. The majority of these reactions have been reported in
IgA-deficient patients who have IgA antibodies of the IgE class. Such
patients may not have been previously transfused and may develop
symptoms after infusion of very small amounts of IgA containing
plasma, in any blood component.
6. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) occurs when acutely

increased permeability of the pulmonary microcirculation causes
massive leakage of fluids and protein into the alveolar spaces and
interstitium, usually within 6 hours of transfusion. In many cases, the
occurrence of TRALI is associated with the presence of granulocyte
antibodies in the donor or recipient. The specific mechanism of action
is not clear. Treatment consists of aggressive respiratory support.
Immunologic Complications, Delayed
1. Delayed hemolytic reaction is described in detail in the section on

red-cell-containing components.
2. Alloimmunization to antigens of red cells, white cells, platelets, or

plasma proteins may occur unpredictably after transfusion. Primary
immunization does not become apparent until days or weeks after
the immunizing event, and does not usually cause symptoms or
physiologic changes. If components that express the relevant antigen
are subsequently transfused, there may be accelerated removal of
cellular elements from the circulation and/or systemic symptoms.
Clinically significant antibodies to red cell antigens will ordinarily be
detected by pretransfusion testing. Alloimmunization to antigens
of white cells, platelets, or plasma proteins can only be detected by
specialized testing.
3. Posttransfusion purpura (PTP) is a rare syndrome characterized

by the development of dramatic, sudden, and self-limiting
thrombocytopenia, typically 7-10 days after a blood transfusion,
in a patient with a history of sensitization by either pregnancy or
transfusion. While the immune specificity may be to a platelet-
specific antigen the patient lacks, autologous and allogeneic platelets
are destroyed. In a bleeding patient, high dose Immune Globulin
49
Intravenous (IGIV) may promptly correct the thrombocytopenia.
4. Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a rare but extremely dangerous

condition that occurs when viable T lymphocytes in the transfused
component engraft in the recipient and react against tissue antigens
in the recipient. GVHD can occur if the host does not recognize as
foreign and reject the transfused cells, and can follow transfusion
of any component that contains even very small numbers of viable
T lymphocytes. Severely immunocompromised recipients are
at greatest risk (e.g., fetuses receiving intrauterine transfusions,
recipients of transplanted marrow or peripheral blood progenitor
cells, and selected patients with severe immunodeficiency
conditions), but GVHD has been reported in immunologically normal
recipients heterozygous for a tissue antigen haplotype for which
the donor is homozygous. This is most likely to occur when the
transfused component is from a blood relative or has been selected
for HLA compatibility. GVHD remains a risk with leukocyte-reduced
components because they contain sufficient residual T lymphocytes.
Irradiation of the component renders T lymphocytes incapable of
proliferation and is presently the only approved means to prevent
APPENDIX
GVHD.
Nonimmunologic Complications
1. Transmission of infectious disease may occur because this product is

made from human blood. This may be due to known or unknown
agents, such as viruses. This may occur despite careful selection of
donors and testing of blood. Donor selection criteria are designed
to screen out potential donors with increased risk of infection with
HIV, HTLV, hepatitis, and syphilis, as well as other agents These
procedures do not totally eliminate the risk of transmitting these
agents. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may, unpredictably, be present
in white-cell-containing components from donors previously
infected with this virus, which can persist lifelong despite the
presence of serum antibodies. Up to 70% of donors may be anti-
CMV positive. Transmission of CMV by transfusion may be of
concern in low-birthweight (≤1200 grams) premature infants born
to CMV seronegative mothers and in certain other categories of
immunocompromised individuals, if they are CMV seronegative. For
at-risk recipients, the risk of CMV transmission by cellular components
can be reduced by transfusing CMV seronegative or leukocyte-
reduced components. For other infectious agents, there are no
50
routinely available tests to predict or prevent disease transmission.

All potential blood donors are subjected to stringent screening
procedures intended to reduce to a minimum the risk that they will
transmit infectious agents. These organisms include Babesia spp.,
Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., Brucella spp., the agent of Colorado
tick fever, Leishmania spp., Parvovirus spp., plasmodia, rickettsia,
Toxoplasma spp., and certain trypanosomes.
2. Bacterial contamination occurs rarely but can cause acute, severe,

sometimes life-threatening effects. Onset of high fever (≥2 C or
≥3.5 F rise in temperature), severe chills, hypotension, or circulatory
collapse during or immediately after transfusion should suggest the
possibility of bacterial contamination and/or endotoxin reaction.
Platelet components stored at room temperature, previously
frozen components thawed by immersion in a waterbath, and
red cell components stored for several weeks at 1-6 C have been
implicated. Both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms have
been identified as causing septic reactions. Organisms capable of
multiplying at low temperatures and those using citrate as a nutrient
are most often associated with red cell contamination. A variety
of pathogens, as well as skin contaminants, have been found in
platelet concentrates. Endotoxemia in recipients has resulted from
multiplication of Yersinia enterocolitica in stored red-cell-containing
components. Prompt recognition of a possible septic reaction
is essential, with immediate discontinuation of the transfusion
and aggressive therapy with broad-spectrum antimicrobials and
vasopressor agents, if necessary. In addition to prompt sampling of
the patient’s blood for cultures at several different temperatures,
investigation should include examination of material from the
blood container by Gram’s stain, and cultures of specimens from the
container and the administration set.
3. Circulatory overload, leading to pulmonary edema, can occur after

transfusion of excessive volumes or at excessively rapid rates. This
is a particular risk in the elderly and in patients with chronic severe
anemia in whom low red cell mass is associated with high plasma
volume. Small transfusion volumes can precipitate symptoms in
at-risk patients who already have a positive fluid balance. Pulmonary
edema should be promptly and aggressively treated, and infusion
of colloid preparations, including plasma components and the
suspending plasma in cellular components, reduced to a minimum.
51
4. Hypothermia carries a risk of cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac

arrest. Rapid infusion of large volumes of cold blood can depress
body temperature, and the danger is compounded in patients
experiencing shock or surgical or anesthetic manipulations that
disrupt temperature regulation. A blood warming device should be
considered if rapid infusion of blood is needed. Warming must be
accomplished using an FDA-cleared warming device so as not to
cause hemolysis.
5. Metabolic complications may accompany large volume transfusions,

especially in patients with liver or kidney disease.
a.) Citrate “toxicity” reflects a depression of ionized calcium due
to the presence in the circulation of large quantities of citrate
anticoagulant. Because citrate is promptly metabolized by the
liver, this complication is rare. Patients with severe liver disease
or those with circulatory collapse that prevents adequate hepatic
blood flow, may have physiologically significant hypocalcemia
after rapid, large-volume transfusion. Citrated blood administered
rapidly through central intravenous access may reach the heart so
rapidly that ventricular arrhythmias occur. Standard measurement
APPENDIX
of serum calcium does not distinguish ionized from complexed
calcium. Ionized calcium testing or EKG monitoring is more helpful
in detecting physiologically significant alteration in calcium levels.
b.) Other metabolic derangements can accompany rapid or large-
volume transfusions, especially in patients with pre-existing
circulatory or metabolic problems. These include acidosis or
alkalosis (deriving from changing concentrations of citric acid
and its subsequent conversion to pyruvate and bicarbonate) and
hyper- or hypokalemia.
B. Red Blood Cells
Listed below are hazards specifically to components that contain red

cells.
1. Hemolytic transfusion reaction is the immunologic destruction of

transfused red cells, nearly always due to incompatibility of antigen
on the transfused cells with antibody in the recipient’s circulation.
(See 5 for discussion of nonimmunologic hemolysis.) The most
common cause of severe, acute hemolytic reactions is transfusion
of ABO-incompatible blood, resulting from identification errors
occurring at some point(s) in the transfusion process. Serologic
52
incompatibility undetected during pretransfusion testing is a much

less common cause of acute hemolysis. If a hemolytic reaction is
suspected, the transfusion must be stopped and the transfusion
service laboratory notified. Information identifying the patient, the
transfusion component, and associated forms and labels should
be reviewed immediately to detect possible errors. A postreaction
blood sample, preferably drawn from a site other than the transfusion
access, should be sent to the laboratory along with the implicated
unit of blood and administration set. Acute hemolytic reactions
characteristically begin with an increase in temperature and
pulse rate; symptoms may include chills, dyspnea, chest or back
pain, abnormal bleeding, or shock. Instability of blood pressure is
frequent, the direction and magnitude of change depending upon
the phase of the antigen-antibody event and the magnitude of
compensatory mechanisms. In anesthetized patients, hypotension
and evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC)
may be the first sign of incompatibility. Laboratory findings can
include hemoglobinemia and/or hemoglobinuria, followed by
elevation of serum bilirubin; in less catastrophic acute hemolytic
reactions, a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is commonly
found. Treatment includes measures to maintain or correct arterial
blood pressure; correct coagulopathy, if present; and promote and
maintain urine flow. Rarely, acute hemolytic reactions may not be
overtly apparent. Delayed hemolytic reactions occur in previously
red-cell-alloimmunized patients in whom antigens on transfused
red cells provoke anamnestic production of antibody that reaches
a significant circulating level while the transfused cells are still
present in the circulation; the usual time frame is 2 to 14 days after
transfusion. Signs may include unexplained fever, development of a
positive DAT, and unexplained decrease in hemoglobin/hematocrit.
Hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria are uncommon, but elevation
of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) or bilirubin may be noted. Most
delayed hemolytic reactions have a benign course and require no
treatment.
2. Antigens on transfused red cells may cause red cell alloimmunization

of the recipient, who may experience red cell antibody-mediated
reactions to subsequent transfusions. There is no practical way to
predict or prevent alloimmunization in any specific transfusion
recipient. Clinically significant antibodies to red cell antigens will
usually be detected in pretransfusion antibody screening tests.
53
3. Circulatory overload, resulting in pulmonary edema, can accompany

transfusion of any component at a rate more rapid than the recipient’s
cardiac output can accommodate. Whole Blood creates more of a risk
than Red Blood Cells because the transfused plasma adds volume
without increasing oxygen-carrying capacity. Patients with chronic
anemia have increased blood volumes and are at increased risk for
circulatory overload.
4. Iron overload is a long-term complication of repeated red cell

transfusions. Each transfusion contributes approximately 250 mg of iron.
Patients requiring multiple transfusions for aplastic anemia, thalassemias,
or hemoglobinopathies are at far greater risk than patients transfused for
hemorrhagic indications, because blood loss is an effective means of iron
excretion. Patients with predictably chronic transfusion requirements
should be considered for treatment with iron chelating agents.
5. Nonimmunologic hemolysis occurs rarely, but can result from:

a) introduction of hypotonic fluids into the circulation;
b) effects of drugs co-administered with transfusion;
c) effects of bacterial toxins;
APPENDIX
d) thermal injury to transfusion components, by either freezing or
overheating;
e) metabolic damage to cells, as from hemoglobinopathies or enzyme
deficiencies; or
f ) if sufficient physical or osmotic stresses develop, for example, if red
blood cells are exposed to excessive heat by non-FDA approved
warming methods, mixed with hypotonic solutions or transfused
under high pressure through small gauge/defective needles.
C. Platelets
Listed below are hazards that apply specifically to components that

contain platelets.
1. Bacterial Contamination: Platelet products are the most likely

among blood components to be contaminated with bacteria.
Gram-positive skin flora are the most commonly recovered
bacteria from contaminated platelet units. Symptoms may include
high fever (≥2.0 C or ≥3.5 F rise in temperature), severe chills,
hypotension, or circulatory collapse during or immediately after
transfusion. Prompt management should include broad-spectrum
antibiotic therapy along with cultures of patient sample, suspected
54
blood component(s), and administration set. Gram’s stain of

suspected contaminated unit(s) may be helpful.
2. Platelet Alloimmunization: Platelets bear a variety of antigens,

including HLA and platelet-specific antigens. Patients transfused
with platelets often develop HLA antibodies. The patient may
become refractory to all but HLA-selected platelets (see “Platelets
Pheresis”). When platelets are transfused to a patient with an
antibody specific for an expressed antigen, the survival time of
the transfused platelets may be markedly shortened. Nonimmune
events may also contribute to reduced platelet survival. It is
possible to suggest the presence of immune or nonimmune
platelet refractoriness by assessing platelet recovery soon after
infusion, i.e., 10- to 60-minute postinfusion platelet increment. In
immune refractory states secondary to serologic incompatibility,
there is poor recovery in the early postinfusion interval. In
nonimmune mechanisms (i.e., splenomegaly, sepsis, fever,
intravascular devices, and DIC) platelet recovery within 1 hour of
infusion may be adequate while longer-term survival (i.e., 24-hour
survival) is reduced. Serologic tests can confirm the presence of
alloimmunization. Serologic tests may also be helpful in selecting
platelets with acceptable survival.
3. Red Cell Alloimmunization: Immunization to red cell antigens may

occur because of the presence of residual red cells in Platelets.
When Platelet units from Rh-positive donors must be given to an
Rh-negative female of childbearing potential because of lack of
availability of Rh-negative Platelets, prevention of D immunization
by use of Rh Immune Globulin should be considered. In some
patients, out-of-group Platelets suspended in incompatible
plasma that contains anti-A or anti-B may cause a positive DAT and
possibly low-grade hemolysis if the recipient’s red cells express the
corresponding antigen.
D. Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)
Antibodies in the plasma may react with the recipient’s red cells, causing
a positive DAT. In rare instances, TRALI may develop.
E. Cryoprecipitated-AHF
55
If a large volume of ABO-incompatible cryoprecipitate is used, the

recipient may develop a positive DAT and, very rarely, mild hemolysis.
Fatal Transfusion Reactions
When a fatality occurs as a result of a complication of blood or

component transfusions, the Director, Office of Compliance and
Biologics Quality, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER),
should be notified within one FDA business day (telephone: 301-827-
6220; e-mail: [email protected]). Within 7 days after the fatality, a
written report must be submitted to the Center for Biologics Evaluation
and Research (CBER), Director, Office of Compliance and Biologics
Quality, ATTN: Fatalities Program Manager (HFM-650), 1401 Rockville
Pike, Rockville, MD 20852-1448. A copy of the report should be sent to
the collecting facility, if appropriate. Updated information about CBER
reporting requirements may be found at:
www.fda.gov/cber/transfusion.htm.
APPENDIX
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Practice

A Compilation from Recent

Second Edition, April 2007

Graphic Designer: George Ramirez

Red Blood Cells

Role of the Hospital Transfusion Committee 43

Appendix: Side Effects and Hazards of

Accrediting and regulatory agencies make specific mention of blood

Successful performance of these functions requires that the medical

Given the known and hypothetical risks of transfusion, as well as

Approved name: Red Blood Cells.

Also referred to as Packed Cells, Red Cells, Packed Red

Preparation variations include Red Blood Cells (Adenine-

Red Blood Cells consist of erythrocytes concentrated

Depending on the preservative-anticoagulant system

Each unit contains approximately 42.5-80 g of

Each unit of Red Blood Cells contains approximately 147-

Selection and Preparation:

Red Blood Cells must be compatible with ABO antibodies

Extended storage preservative-anticoagulant

Red Blood Cells are capable of transmitting

A dose of one unit of compatible Red Blood Cells will

Unless the recipient is bleeding or hemolyzing, and

hematocrit X 0.91) and transfusion volume.

Transfused red cells have a half-life of approximately 30

Indications and Contra-indications:

Red blood cells are indicated for patients with a

Patients must be evaluated individually to determine

Red blood cells should not be used to treat anemia that

For complete Side Effects and Hazards see appendix.

Consequently, the adequacy of oxygen delivery must be

1. Transfusion is rarely indicated when the hemoglobin

2. The determination of transfusion in patients whose

The use of alternative measures to reduce allogeneic red

measures that reduce blood loss.

The same considerations regarding individualization of

In support of a conservative red cell transfusion policy in

In support of considering cardiovascular status in the

Thus, transfusion triggers for red cells in critical care

must be customized to defined patient groups, and

Neonates and Critically Ill Children:

Infants may require simple or exchange transfusions for

The American Academy of Pediatrics has published

In the multicenter PINT (Premature Infants in Need of

avoided transfusion completely in the restrictive group

These two randomized studies suggest that transfusion

Table: General Guidelines For Small-volume (10-15 mL/kg)

Severe cardiopulmonary disease*

Moderate cardiopulmonary disease (e.g. less

30-35% Major surgery

Stable anemia, especially if unexplained breathing

*Must be defined by institution

Ref. 11, 12, 26, 57

Less controversial are the results from the TRIPICU

Ref. 17, 28, 57

Asymptomatic Chronic Anemia:

Symptomatic Chronic Anemia:

Sickle Cell Disease:

Chronic transfusion therapy to maintain the HbS below

cannot be safely discontinued at any point. Similarly,