When possible, the cause of the anemia is treated. When the Hb falls dangerously low (eg, < 7 g/dL for patients without cardiopulmonary insufficiency or higher for patients with it), RBC transfusion temporarily increases O₂-carrying capacity. RBC transfusion should be reserved for patients

• With or at high risk of cardiopulmonary symptoms
• With active, uncontrollable blood loss
• With some form of hypoxic or ischemic end-organ failure (eg, neurologic ischemic symptoms, angina, tachycardia in patients with underlying heart failure or severe COPD)

Transfusion procedures and blood components are discussed in Transfusion Medicine.

Last full review/revision June 2008 by Alan E. Lichtin, MD