• Wioletta Sawicka, Radosław Owczuk, Magdalena A Wujtewicz, Stanisław Hać, and Maria Wujtewicz.
• Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Gdańsk. wsawicka@gumed.edu.pl
• Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther. 2012 Jan 1;44(1):8-11.

BackgroundTransfusion of red blood cell (RBC) concentrates is the most common allogeneic transplantation. The aim of the study was to analyse the indications for RBC transfusions, compared to the estimated intraoperative blood loss and the actual requirements for blood transfusion.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the files of 250 adult patients who were transfused over the year 2006, during various general, oncologic, trauma, vascular, plastic and thoracic surgical procedures. Preoperative screening was done in a hospital laboratory, whereas postoperative haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit were assessed at the bedside using a co-oximeter.ResultsThe majority of RBC transfusions were started at relatively high haemoglobin concentrations (mean 5.6 mmol L⁻¹), contrary to the current guidelines. A high correlation coefficient (r=0.82) was found between the estimated blood loss and the volume of RBCs transfused; therefore we concluded that the observed blood loss was the main factor in transfusion decisions.ConclusionsDespite enormous progress in transfusion science, the current practice in our institution is still far from ideal; RBCs are frequently transfused too early and without a real indication.

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