Transfusion
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Anemia commonly complicates critical illness. Restrictive transfusion triggers are appropriate in this setting, but no large studies have measured red cell (RBC) requirements for intensive care patients when evidence-based transfusion guidelines are followed consistently. ⋯ Despite evidence-based transfusion practice, 40 percent of ICU patients receive transfusions, which account for 7 to 8 percent of the national blood supply.