Determining Transfusion Needs: Expectations and Realities?

Authors: Cees Th. Smit Sibinga

DOI: 10.23880/hij-16000168

Volume 4, Issue 2

Abstract

Transfusion medicine (TM) is a vein-to-vein multidisciplinary bridging science and related practice,comprising both procurement (manufacturing) and provision (supply) of safe and efficacious blood and blood products, as well as appropriate clinical application and related outcome (WHO, 1991). The need for safe blood and blood products is bedside-determined. The process is based on proper diagnosis, indication setting and decision making; including consideration of alternatives, knowledge and experience of benefits and risks of blood transfusion and above all a clear and understandable informed consent following explanation of the pros and cons of a transfusion intervention (supportive hemotherapy). Evidence-based TM is paramount to determine the ultimate need dynamically and accurately over time.

Keywords: Transfusion; Hemotherapy; Blood

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