Haemoglobin thresholds for red cell transfusion

What it is

The indications for red cell transfusion are written as a hemoglobin threshold, and the threshold moves with the patient rather than sitting at one number.

In acute blood loss the number is Hb <7 g/dL. Above it, at Hb >7 g/dL, do not transfuse unless the patient is symptomatic, or has heart disease.

A higher hemoglobin level, >8 g/dL, is maintained for:

• Unstable or acute coronary syndromes
• Coronary artery disease
• Uncontrolled or unpredictable bleeding