Reassess your patient

• For blood transfusions in the stable, non bleeding, normovolaemic patient, e.g. post-operative patient.

  • Give one unit
  • Reassess Hb and symptoms
  • Give the next unit
  • Reassess Hb and symptoms

• One unit of red cells (or 4-5 mL/kg) will typically increase an adult's haemoglobin by 10g/L. Patients who are smaller (<60kg) may show a larger increase in haemoglobin.

• Decisions about whether to transfuse further units and how many must be based on all of the following information:

  • The current haemoglobin level
  • The patient's general condition, especially their cardiovascular system and to a lesser extent their respiratory system
  • Any symptoms or signs of anaemia
  • Any ongoing blood loss
  • The desired post transfusion haemoglobin level. (Refer to NZBS Guidelines)
  • The estimated haemoglobin increase after transfusion of one unit.

• All this information must be assessed before commencing the next unit.

• These principles also apply to plasma and platelets.

See also the pages Before Your Transfuse and Assessing the Need.