Blood transfusions in elective operations: comparison of whole blood versus packed red cells

For some years the use of packed red cells in elective operations has been encouraged on an empirical basis. From the clinical and laboratory information gathered in this prospective, randomized, but unblined study of 294 patients subjected to elective general, thoracic, or gynecologic operations, the use of packed cells in such situations appears rational. Such practices minimize demand upon a unique human resource, may give patients fewer undersirable elements in blood transfusions, and do not increase the morbidity or mortality of patients receiving transfusion.