Vox sanguinis
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Transfusion practices and thresholds in common elective surgical procedures were investigated in a nationwide multicenter survey in Finland. ⋯ The transfusion thresholds in all operations were liberal compared to recent international recommendations. Inappropriate thresholds were reflected in the high transfusion rates. This study accentuates the need for continuous discussion and educational measures to find optimal indications for transfusion in surgery, and to rationalize the transfusion policy in Finland.