does anyone know how much blood a person needs to have lost before a blood transfusion is considered?

Answer 1

a Hgb of less than 8 and a Hct of less than 24 could use some attention... especially if the patient is actively bleeding. most normal people have a Hgb around 14 and a Hct of around 45. it really depends upon the doctor and the age of the patient. women with mensis tolerate a lower HH than the rest of the population.

the Pathologist and Medical staff determine the guidelines from tranfusion.. each case is different...

Answer 2

The decision on if/when to transfuse is determined by a number of factors.

Young, otherwise healthy people can lose a lot of blood before we transfuse them. They have a lot of physiologic reserve, and their organ systems can adapt well to lower hematocrits.

Older people, or those with chronic diseases, may not fare so well with a lower blood count, and we have a much lower threshold for transfusing them. Coronary artery disease and other heart ailments are particularly troublesome, because a low hematocrit might tip the oxygen supply balance enough to cause cardiac ischemia.

With blood loss, it's not just red cells that are lost, but also platelets and clotting factors. We sometimes have to transfuse these components in order for the patient to clot properly.

In general, young, healthy people can lose a few liters and do OK. Older folks, much less.

Answer 3

Blood transfusion is needed even if one loses no blood. Grossly anemic persons,people with hemolytic disorders, as an exchange blood transfusion in poisoning and leukemic patients and other conditions warrant a transfusion. Several factors which can`t be listed in detail decide the need. If one is deciding about blood loss in injuries or internal bleeding disorders,it is the speed of loss not the quantity lost that decides the need for transfusion.

Answer 4

depends on the H&H. talk to your doctor about the results.