Multi-institutional, retrospective review of blood transfusion practices and outcomes in a large cohort of thalassemia patients in South India

- Mean pre-transfusion Hb was 8.8 g/dl.
- 99% of blood was available on-site.
- Saline washing of red cells seems to be effective in controlling transfusion reactions.
- Rate of transfusion reactions was 0.7% without pre-medication.
- Low rates of transfusion-transmitted infections were seen.
- Voluntary blood donation may reduce transfusion transmitted infections.
- Median duration of entire day care stay was 8 h (IQR 6-8).