While serious adverse reactions and disease transmission related to transfusion are relatively rare, it is important to avoid the transfusion of blood or blood products that are not medically necessary in order to reduce the risks associated with this therapy. Informed consent must be obtained prior to the transfusion of all blood products (some exceptions may apply in the face of a life-threatening emergency). The physician must discuss the benefits, risks and indications for transfusion with the patient. This discussion should be documented in the patient’s chart.