Why are red blood cell transfusions commonly used to treat some patients with anemia?
Transfusions of red blood cells are commonly given to patients who have experienced major blood loss from physical trauma, those who are critically ill, or those who have recently undergone surgery.41 In these anemic patients blood transfusions are often administered because they may save lives by quickly increasing blood volume and raising the hemoglobin level to normal or near-normal levels. It is also common for patients with hemoglobin levels at or below 7-8 g/dL and exhibiting significant fatigue or other anemia-related symptoms to be given blood transfusions. However, it is extremely important for your doctor to identify the cause of the anemia and correct it accordingly.
