EBL Calculator / Transfusion Trigger
kg
g/dL
g/dL
g/dL
4,900
EBV (mL)
2,450
Max ABL (mL) — 50% EBV
1,400
Estimated Blood Loss (mL)
0
PRBC Units to Target Hgb
Formulas
EBV = Weight x EBV Factor (mL/kg)
ABL = EBV x (Hgb_start - Hgb_target) / Hgb_start
EBL = EBV x (Hgb_start - Hgb_current) / Hgb_start
Units needed = ceil(Hgb_target - Hgb_current) [1 unit ~ 1 g/dL rise]
ABL = EBV x (Hgb_start - Hgb_target) / Hgb_start
EBL = EBV x (Hgb_start - Hgb_current) / Hgb_start
Units needed = ceil(Hgb_target - Hgb_current) [1 unit ~ 1 g/dL rise]
Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs)
Volume~300 mL
Storage1-6 C
Shelf Life42 days
Dose1 unit over 1-2 hours (up to 4 hours max)
ExpectedHgb rise ~1 g/dL per unit in 70 kg adult
Indications
Acute hemorrhageSymptomatic anemiaHgb below transfusion threshold
Risks
Hemolytic reactionFebrile non-hemolytic reactionHyperkalemia (older units)Citrate toxicity / hypocalcemia
Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)
Volume~250 mL
Storage-18 C or colder
Shelf Life1 year frozen; 24 hours post-thaw (4 C)
Dose10-15 mL/kg (typically 4-6 units)
ExpectedDecreases INR by ~0.3-0.5 per unit; raises factors ~5%
Indications
Coagulopathy with active bleedingINR >1.5 with planned procedureFactor replacement (all factors)TTP (plasma exchange)Warfarin reversal (if PCC unavailable)
Risks
TRALITACO (volume overload)Allergic reactionCitrate toxicity
Platelets
Volume~300 mL (pooled) or ~200 mL (apheresis)
Storage20-24 C with agitation
Shelf Life5 days
Dose1 apheresis unit or 1 pooled unit (4-6 random donors)
ExpectedPlatelet rise 30,000-50,000/uL per apheresis unit
Indications
Thrombocytopenia with bleedingPlatelet count below threshold for procedurePlatelet dysfunction (uremia, medications)
Risks
Bacterial contamination (highest risk product)Febrile reactionAllergic reactionAlloimmunization
Cryoprecipitate
Volume~15 mL per unit (pooled: 5-10 units)
Storage-18 C or colder
Shelf Life1 year frozen; 6 hours post-thaw
Dose1 unit per 10 kg body weight (typically 10 units)
ExpectedFibrinogen rise ~50-70 mg/dL per 10-unit pool
Indications
Hypofibrinogenemia (<150 mg/dL)DIC with low fibrinogenMassive transfusion with fibrinogen <150Von Willebrand disease (if DDAVP inadequate)Factor XIII deficiency
Risks
Allergic reactionViral transmission (very low risk)Volume overload (rare given small volume)
Whole Blood
Volume~500 mL
Storage1-6 C
Shelf Life21-35 days (depending on anticoagulant)
Dose1 unit; contains RBCs, plasma, and platelets
ExpectedProvides balanced resuscitation equivalent to 1:1:1
Indications
Massive hemorrhage (when available)Military / trauma settingsPediatric cardiac surgery
Risks
ABO incompatibilityHigher volume per unitLimited availability