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Retheesh Das: Avoiding Unnecessary Transfusions – Why Less Can Be Safer
Retheesh Das/LinkedIn
Feb 7, 2026, 12:46

Retheesh Das: Avoiding Unnecessary Transfusions – Why Less Can Be Safer

Retheesh Das, Nursing Officer at Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University (MPMSU), shared a post on LinkedIn:

”Avoiding Unnecessary Transfusions

Blood transfusion isn’t an automatic response – it’s a deliberate treatment.

Mastering the decision of when to hold back is essential in today’s healthcare.

The Importance of Caution

Extra transfusions aren’t harmless. They come with real dangers, such as:

  • TRALI: An immune-triggered lung damage causing sudden breathing problems.
  • TACO: Overloading the system with fluid, resulting in lung swelling.
  • Alloimmunization: Building antibodies that mess up later transfusions or births.
  • Infections: Uncommon spread of bugs like viruses or bacteria, even with checks.
  • Immunomodulation: Tweaking immunity, raising chances of infections or cancer return.
  • Elevated risks: More issues, longer recoveries, and higher death rates in those over-transfused.

Key Idea: Extra blood doesn’t mean superior results. Studies prove that conservative approaches often match or surpass aggressive ones.

Guidelines Backed by Research….

Red Blood Cells
• Below 7 g/dL Hb: Think about transfusing to avoid oxygen shortages.
• 7-8 g/dL Hb: Tailor to the individual’s age, health issues, and signs.
• Above 8 g/dL Hb: Usually skip it—risks typically eclipse benefits.
• Special Cases: Heart attacks, active bleeding, anemia symptoms, or risky operations.
• Reminder: Focus on the person’s condition, not just the lab result.

Plasma (FFP)
• Skip for: Slight INR rises or just needing more fluid.
• Use for: Actual bleeding tied to clotting problems.
• Instances: DIC from sepsis or injury, or huge blood loss scenarios.

Approaches to Blood Conservation (PBM)
• Boost Hb before surgery with checks and fixes like iron or vitamins.
• Cut down on needless blood draws using efficient methods.
• Embrace natural low Hb in steady patients—the body adjusts.
• Method: Give one unit, check progress, add more only if required.

Final Insight….

Holding off isn’t skimping – it’s wise practice. Strive for science-driven, individualized care that balances dangers and gains.”

Transfusions

Retheesh Das/LinkedIn

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Alloimmunization Blood Risks Blood Transfusion Health Hematology Hemostasis Hemostasis Today Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University Medicine MPMSU Patient Care Retheesh Das TACO thrombosis TRALI Transfusion Medicine Transfusions Unnecessary Transfusions
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