[Strategies to reduce the use of perioperative allogenic blood]

Allogenic blood transfusion carries the risk of immunological and non-immunological adverse effects. Consequently, blood transfusion should be limited to situations where alternatives are not available. This article reviews current by available alternative strategies that reduce the need for perioperative allogenic blood transfusion. The effectiveness of a number of these alternatives needs to be documented and potential adverse effects clarified. The acceptance of a lower haemoglobin level as the transfusion trigger value is perhaps the most important factor in reducing the need for peri-operative allogenic blood transfusion.