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This guideline updates the 2016 AABB guideline on red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (JAMA 2016; 316:2025). It is based on a systematic review using the GRADE framework to rate strength of recommendations and the quality of supporting evidence.
Applying recommendations for transfusion is highly individualized and depends on many factors besides the hemoglobin level — for example, associated signs and symptoms, rate of hemoglobin drop, volume status, hemodynamic stability, patients' preferences and values, and other clinical variables.
Clinicians should consider RBC transfusion only when expected benefits outweigh harms.
The most common per-unit adve…