Red cell concentrate



   Red blood cells are indicated for the patient with increasing oxygen demands, for example in a case of acute blood loss. Normally, a rise in hemoglobin concentration of about 10 g/L is expected with every unit of red cells transfused into an adult. Note that RBCs are only compatible with normal saline. Generally, for a patient with a hemoglobin of:
  • >100 g/L, it is likely inappropriate to give the RBC concentrate.
  • 70-100 g/L, it is likely to be appropriate to give the RBC concentrate if there are signs or symptoms of impaired O2 delivery.
  • <70 g/L, it is likely to be appropriate to give the RBC concentrate.
Red cell concentrate; ©qscalpel (photo by Adam Szulewski)    
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