SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Transfusion Practice in Anemic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey

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This cross-sectional survey examined transfusion threshold knowledge and anemia definitions among physicians and advanced practice providers at a U.S. academic medical center. Using a 14-question anonymous Qualtrics survey sent to 932 residents, attendings, and APPs across medical, surgical, and anesthesia departments, the study received 121 responses (13%).<br /><br />The survey found substantial variability in how providers defined anemia. Correct anemia thresholds were identified by 39.7% for men (Hgb 13 g/dL) and 51.2% for women (Hgb 12 g/dL). Despite this, transfusion practices were generally restrictive and often aligned with AABB guidelines for stable, non-bleeding patients: 88.4% chose a transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL for a hemodynamically stable patient without cardiovascular disease.<br /><br />However, knowledge and practice differed in cardiac disease scenarios. For a stable patient with coronary artery disease (CAD), 49.6% selected 7 g/dL, even though AABB guidance recommends 8 g/dL. For a patient hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 54.5% selected 8 g/dL, although no specific guideline existed at the time of the survey.<br /><br />Overall, the study concludes that providers commonly use restrictive transfusion strategies, but there is wide variation in understanding anemia definitions and in transfusion thresholds for patients with CAD. The authors recommend further education to improve transfusion practices, especially in cardiovascular disease settings.

Asset Subtitle

Christina T. Bui

Meta Tag

Author List Christina T. Bui, Smita Kalra

Category Research

Concept Anemia

Concept Blood Transfusion Threshold

Concept Hemoglobin

Concept Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

Concept Acute Coronary Syndrome

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of California, Irvine

Presenting Author Christina T. Bui

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

transfusion threshold

anemia definition

AABB guidelines

restrictive transfusion

coronary artery disease

acute coronary syndrome

physician survey

advanced practice providers

hemoglobin threshold

academic medical center

Anemia

Blood Transfusion Threshold

Hemoglobin

Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

Acute Coronary Syndrome