A 36 year old female is post-op day 3 for a colectomy for ulcerative colitis. She is on oral iron replacement and feels well with a minimal need for analgesia. Her chart indicates that her heart rate was 110 bpm and there is an order for 2 units of packed red blood cells if the Hgb is <100g/L. You question the evidence behind such an order and call the surgical service covering her care.
Points of Discussion: What are the indications for transfusion? Is there any evidence that exists to help with when and how much blood should be transfused?
