How low can you go

Originally posted by sharann

How low does the Hemoglobin have to be before one REALLY should consider transfusion (in a case of chronic blood loss)?

I have heard many ranges, as low as 5 as high as 8. Thanks.

Can't answer that for sure, but one of our new admissions last week came in with CHF and tachycardia... while doing her admission blood work, found her hemoglobin was 6... she was immediately given blood.

At my hospital if Hemoglobin is 8 or lower the Dr.'s will usually order blood but I have seen blood given with it at 8.7.

I am anemic and was loosing blood through my stool prior to being diagnosed with UC. My Hgb went down to 5.0 adn I was still walking around; now it usually stays around 10.0. But I don't know if there is a level before transfusion. The highest Hgb I've had before being transfused was 7.4

Circumstances will dictate but usually we seen orders for blood if Hgb is 8.0 or less. During blood shortages, the blood bank won't even release blood for someone with a Hgb greater than 8.0.

Lowest Hgb I've ever seen: my sister's Hgb dropped to 2.6 once (she's chronically anemic but that was, um, a bit low even for her).

I don't believe that medicare will pay for a transfusion unless the hgb is 8.0 or less and there has to be good documentation by the physician to transfuse if it is higher. Usually insurance companies follow suit, so that is how 8.0 is probably the indicator. I think they should look at the patient, but hey, what do I know.

Thanks for the replies (and yes I am the patient this time). I can't imagine having a Hb of 5!

I thought this was a thread about LIMBO!

(just joking....) :roll

We had a pt walk into the ER saying she felt tired and "a little" SOB. Her hgb was 4.0. I think most of our docs like to transfuse at 9 or lower.

I can imagine you would be a little tired with a hemaglobin of "4"!! I think I would have a hard time getting out of the bed! LOL. That would be a scarey thought. There can be so many things that can facture into a low # like that. :confused:

Hey Shezam,

I liked the LIMBO reference. Too funny:chuckle