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Arun V J: Blood Loss Isn’t Always an Emergency and Blood Isn’t Always the Answer
Arun V J/LinkedIn
Dec 9, 2025, 03:24

Arun V J: Blood Loss Isn’t Always an Emergency and Blood Isn’t Always the Answer

Arun V J, Consultant in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at Malabar Medical College, shared on LinkedIn:

”Blood Loss Isn’t Always an Emergency… and Blood Isn’t Always the Answer

You don’t always need a blood transfusion.

And giving blood too early can sometimes do more harm than good.

As clinicians, families, and even patients, we often forget what actually matters:

Transfusions are not about fixing a number.

They’re about fixing oxygen delivery.

So what do we do before reaching for blood?

We bridge the patient safely. And we do it the right way.

Here are the basics we should all remember (and teach):
1. Blood Is for Oxygen and Clotting — Not for Every Drop Lost
Mild to moderate blood loss?
The body compensates beautifully.
We assess the whole patient, not just Hb on paper.
Symptoms, perfusion, lactate, mental clarity — these tell the real story.

2. Crystalloids: Great in a Crisis, Terrible as a Long-Term Plan
Normal saline and Ringer lactate can stabilise pressure quickly.
But they:
• clear fast
• dilute clotting factors
• carry zero oxygen
• can worsen outcomes when overused

They’re a bridge, not a solution.

3. Colloids: Stay Longer, Still Not Blood
Albumin, gelatins, starches…
They stay in the bloodstream longer but still don’t carry oxygen or help with clotting.

Same rule:
Use wisely. Don’t drown the patient.

4. Alternatives to Blood Exist — but They Can’t Replace Blood
Iron, erythropoietin, tranexamic acid, vitamin K, oxygen therapy, cell salvage…
All useful.
All meaningful.

But none can perform the full job of blood during significant bleeding.

They reduce unnecessary transfusions and help recovery — but they’re not substitutes.

Crystalloids vs Colloids vs Blood — What’s the Real Difference?
Crystalloids = quick boost
Colloids = longer boost
Blood = actual treatment

That simple distinction saves lives.

5. The Real Decision Point:
Is the Body Getting Enough Oxygen?
A patient with Hb 7 may be stable.
A patient with Hb 9 may be crashing.

Numbers lie. Physiology doesn’t.
Look at:
• mental status
• perfusion
• lactate
• work of breathing
• urine output
This is how you know when blood becomes life-saving.

6. Artificial Blood? Promising… but Not Here Yet
Trials are ongoing.
The science is exciting.
But we’re not replacing human blood any time soon.

The Message We All Need to Hear
Crystalloids and colloids buy time.
Alternatives support recovery.
But blood saves lives when oxygen delivery fails.

Knowing when to use each one is leadership.
Teaching it is responsibility.
Practicing it wisely is patient safety.

If you found this useful, hit Repost so more clinicians, students, and NGOs can understand this better.

And if you want deeper insights like this in simple language, here’s where I write more.

Let’s make good knowledge travel.”

Arun V J: Blood Loss Isn’t Always an Emergency and Blood Isn’t Always the Answer

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Arun V. J bleeding disorders Colloids Crystalloids Health Hematology Hemostasis Hemostasis Today Medicine Oxygen Plasma Donation thrombosis Transfusion Medicine
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