Determinants of transfusion decisions in a mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study.

Background: For reasons unknown, a restrictive transfusion policy of red blood cells (RBC) is only gradually being implemented by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) physicians, resulting in a large variation in transfusion practice. Insight into physicians' transfusion decisions may aid efforts to restrict transfusion practice.

Study Design And Methods: In a prospective cohort study, transfusion triggers were determined in patients consecutively admitted to an ICU during a 10-week period.