Much more work will be needed to ensure accuracy, widespread utility and successful integration.
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are relatively common in an intensive care unit (ICU). Although they are often life-saving procedures, transfusions are sometimes unnecessary and, in some cases, may carry an increased risk for adverse events. Transfusions can also be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in some critically ill patients.1,2
“Currently we are very poor at predicting who needs a [RBC] transfusion,” said Cassandra D. Josephson, MD, the Hawkins Family Endowed Chair in the Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “For RBCs, we have over-relied on hemoglobin as a marker of both when to transfuse the product and if we did it right.”
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July 2025
Transfusion is AABB’s scholarly, peer-reviewed monthly journal, publishing the latest on technological advances, clinical research and controversial issues related to transfusion medicine, blood banking, biotherapies and tissue transplantation. Access of Transfusion is free to all AABB members.
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AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in transfusion medicine, cellular therapies and patient blood management. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety.
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