RT Journal
A1 Kuehn BM
T1 GUideline tightens transfusion criteria
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD May 2
VO 307
IS 17
SP 1788
OP 1789
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.3728
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.3728
AB 
About 44 000 units of blood are administered to patients each day in the United States, according to the AABB, with wide variation in transfusion practices across the country. Last year, the Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability concluded that the variability suggested there may be excessive and sometimes inappropriate use of blood transfusions. The committee also noted that the growing population of older adults may further strain the US blood supply in years to come, requiring more judicious use (http://tinyurl.com/7qfv8b8). The committee noted the need for additional data about blood use and clinical outcomes and encouraged efforts to promote evidence-based practices.