Variation in transfusion rates within a single institution: Exploring the effect of differing practice patterns on the likelihood of blood product transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Differing practice patterns contribute to significant variation in rates of perioperative transfusion within a single center. Strategies aimed at reducing overall transfusion rates must take into account such variability in practice patterns and account for nonclinical factors as well as known clinical predictors of blood transfusions.