5. Why transfuse/reasons to transfuse

Key points

• Review of most recent blood results 
• Awareness of local policies
• Risk and benefits 
• Consideration of all blood components and relevant adjuncts and the indications for use of:
  o Red cells
  o Platelets
  o Plasma cryoprecipitate/fibrinogen concentrate
  o IVIg
  o TXA
  o IV iron/oral iron 
  o Recombinant erythropoietin

Rationale

• As per availability in local setting /guidelines 
• Transfusion decisions should be made based more on the anticipation of each patient's unique physiologic benefit than on strict adherence to a predetermined transfusion trigger
 

Links to resources (where available)

Guidelines for use of Red blood cells

Guidelines for use of Platelets

Guidelines for use of Plasma/ Cryo/ Fibrinogen

[Refer to local guidelines where available]