Determining Transfusion Needs: Expectations and Realities?

Transfusion medicine (TM) is a vein-to-vein multidisciplinary bridging science and related practice,[1] 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) [2]. 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.