Transfusion therapy

Abstract

In the United States in 2001, approximately 15 million units of blood were collected according to the National Blood Data Resource Center, representing an increase compared to prior years (Fig. 9.1).1 Approximately 40,000 units of blood are used each day in the United States,- every few seconds someone receives a blood transfusion. The majority of the red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in the United States are administered to elective surgical patients (55%) and medical patients with chronic anemia (30%), and only 15% are utilized for trauma and other emergencies. As of November 2000, the American Red Cross (ARC) managed about 45% of the U.S. blood supply, The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) managed about 45%, and others, such as United Blood Services, managed the remaining 10%. © 2008 Springer New York.