Guidelines for the use of blood transfusions
Stephens, M.K.; Stevenson, M.M.; Taylor, M.B.; Beall, C.L.; Heiskell, C.A.; Mossburg, W.
West Virginia Medical Journal 91(5): 193-195
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-3284 PMID: 7660653 Document Number: 442279
Over 11 million units of red blood cells are transfused each year in the United States at a cost of over $2 billion. This paper reviews the indications for and the risks of red blood cell transfusions, and provides guidelines for transfusions in both surgical and non-surgical settings.