haematology anaesthesia surgery

Red Cell Transfusion Threshold Assessment

Red cell transfusion thresholds and targets from NICE NG24 (2015) — guidance, not a score.

Result

There is no validated points score for red cell transfusion. NICE NG24 (2015): use restrictive thresholds unless the person has major haemorrhage, acute coronary syndrome or needs regular transfusions for chronic anaemia — consider transfusing at a haemoglobin of 70 g/L, with a target of 70–90 g/L after transfusion. In acute coronary syndrome consider a threshold of 80 g/L and a target of 80–100 g/L; set individual thresholds and targets for people on regular transfusions for chronic anaemia. Consider single-unit transfusions for adults without active bleeding (or equivalent weight-based volumes for children and adults with low body weight), then reassess clinically and check the haemoglobin before giving more. For major haemorrhage follow the local major haemorrhage protocol.

References

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

References

Related