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Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
Red blood cell components: Meeting the quantitative and qualitative transfusion needs
Richard O Francis1, Steven L Spitalnik1
1Laboratory of Transfusion Biology, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, Room P&S 14-434, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are common, but overall usage is decreasing. However, specialized transfusion needs are rising, potentially straining blood supplies for specific RBC products and donors.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Medical Therapeutics
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a cornerstone of modern medicine.
- Recent research has refined transfusion guidelines, leading to decreased overall RBC unit usage in developed nations.
- While general RBC product shortages are rare, specific needs are emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving landscape of RBC transfusion.
- To highlight "special" transfusion scenarios that create unique demands on blood supply.
- To discuss potential future requirements for specific RBC products and donor types.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on RBC transfusion practices.
- Analysis of trends in RBC utilization.
- Identification of emerging "special" transfusion indications.
Main Results:
- Overall RBC transfusion volumes are declining due to improved clinical practice.
- An increasing number of specialized transfusion requirements are identified.
- These specialized needs can strain the availability of particular RBC products.
Conclusions:
- Despite decreasing overall use, RBC transfusions remain critical.
- Emerging specialized transfusion needs require careful management of blood resources.
- Future blood collection strategies may need to target specific donor types for specialized RBC products.
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