Optimizing Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practice

What constitutes optimal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practice remains controversial. Tremendous variation in the indications for, and timing of RBC, transfusions exists. The presence of significant variation in RBC transfusion rates implies that the best practice has yet to be identified, and that indications for transfusion are not consistent among providers. This chapter will review the risks and benefits of RBC transfusion, as well as strategies to optimize transfusion practice.