Vox sanguinis
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A randomized comparison of transfusion triggers in elective orthopaedic surgery using leucocyte-depleted red blood cells.
In elective orthopaedic hip- and knee replacement surgery patients, we studied the effect of implementation of a uniform transfusion policy on RBC usage. ⋯ Implementation of a uniform transfusion protocol for elective lower joint arthroplasty patients is feasible, but does not always lead to a RBC reduction. Length of hospital stay was not affected.