Active Management of Anemia: Applying Patient Blood Management Principles to Improve Patient Outcomes

Anemia is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in medical, surgical, and pregnant populations. Anemia starts at a hemoglobin of 130 g/L and should always be investigated before surgery or as soon as it is identified. Transfusion should be abandoned as therapy for asymptomatic anemia when there is an underlying correctable condition. Treating the underlying etiology and providing the building blocks for the patient to produce their own hemoglobin is the global standard of care and a foundational tenet of patient blood management.