Andy (and others),
Are you aware of anywhere it is published regarding volume of blood for transfusions based on hemoglobin level? It is not in Standards of Care 2012.
I have heard others say that when hemoglobin is 8.8 or lower (or some say 8.2 or lower) the formula is 20 ml/kg instead of the typical 15 ml/kg.
Our new daughter is supposively beta thal major (41/42 homozygote) but when 7 weeks between transfusions. (We are waiting on another gene test to see if there are any alpha or delta mutations along with the beta.) We should have transfused at week 6, but we were seeing if she'd go up (she did before, from 8.8 to 13!). So, on week 7, she had fallen from 8.5 to 7.8. I was told the only formula they use is 15 ml/kg. We have never been below 8.8 with our son, so I have never encountered this before. The NP, nurses in the infusion bay, and MD were all adamant volume of blood is not more than 15 ml/kg and that I must be mistaken. I know from others who get transfusions in Atlanta, Oakland, and Boston, that if hem. is lower than 8.2 (or 8.8 in some cases) the volume formulat is 20 ml/kg. HOWEVER, I can't find that anywhere in writing.
Do you have any info?
I'd like something to print out and bring to our hematologist!
Thanks,
Nicole