A 45-year old woman complains of tiredness and weakness. She appears pale. Laboratory results are as follows: hemoglobin 6.2 g/dL, hematocrit 20%, MVC 75 fL, MCHC 28%. On further questioning, she reports excessive menstrual bleeding, sometimes lasting for several weeks.

1. Does this patient need a transfusion? Why or why not?

2. If the intern decides to give 1 unit of RBC's, what would be the resulting hemoglobin and hematocrit levels?

A 22 year old woman presents with easy bruising and fatigue. A complete blood count reveals hemoglobin 9 g/dL, hematocrit 27%, WBC 15,000/uL and platelet count 5,000/uL. The hematologist plans to perform a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration.

1. What blood component(s) is (are) indicated? Why?

2. Describe how the dose is calculated. What laboratory result is desired?

3. The patient receives chemotherapy and 2 weeks later the hemoglobin is 6.8 g/dL and the hematocrit 20%. The patient complains of shortness of breath when hurrying to the bus stop. The physician decides to order RBC transfusion. What dose of RBCs is indicated? Hos is this determined?