Question

A 77-year-old woman in a residential aged care facility has Hb 82 g/L due to iron deficiency anaemia but is haemodynamically stable and asymptomatic at rest. There is no active bleeding. According to current transfusion practice, what is the most appropriate approach to red blood cell transfusion?

Accepted Answer

Consider transfusion only if Hb is <70 g/L or she becomes symptomatic

Answer

Transfuse immediately to raise Hb above 120 g/L

Answer

Transfuse to raise Hb to 100 g/L regardless of symptoms

Answer

Transfuse two units of red cells routinely in all elderly anaemic patients

Answer

Transfuse only if Hb <50 g/L

Practice question

A 77-year-old woman in a residential aged care facility has Hb 82 g/L due to iron deficiency anaemia but is haemodynamically stable and asymptomatic at rest. There is no active bleeding. According to current transfusion practice, what is the most appropriate approach to red blood cell transfusion?