Practical and Advanced Calculations in Transfusion Medicine, Apheresis, and Hemostasis

Transfusion medicine specialists have to perform multiple calculations daily to ensure safe and effective treatments for their patients. Examples of these calculations include plasma volume estimation, coagulation factor dosages, and adjustment of anticoagulant in blood collection bags for smaller donors. This chapter will provide a review of practical calculations and their underlying principles. Most of these calculations may be used on a daily basis on a busy transfusion medicine service. However, some of the calculations will focus on more advanced concepts that, while not used on a daily basis, may help to integrate the knowledge across the fields and thus, enhance the skills.