[Red Blood Cell Transfusion - Indications, Informed Consent and Associated Risks].

Abstract

The aim of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is to prevent or treat anemic tissue hypoxia in acute or chronic anemia. In 2022, approximately 3.2 million red blood cell transfusions were conducted in Germany. Most blood products are transfused in surgical medicine. RBC units should be used appropriately, based on recent evidence about their indications, profound knowledge on handling, correct documentation as well as possible associated risks of transfusion-associated adverse events and their respective treatments. Blood loss in particular increases the risk of an imbalance between oxygen supply and oxygen demand. Targeted, rational (restrictive) blood transfusion based on physiological transfusion triggers makes it possible to avoid organ injury due to anemic hypoxia.