The use of a blood conservation device to reduce red blood cell transfusion requirements: a before and after study.

This before and after study suggests that a closed blood conservation device to decrease red blood cell transfusions in ICU patients might be beneficial. If the device appears of interest to limit blood drawing, the study suffers from several limitations: 1) the design (before and after study) and 2) the hemoglobin concentration was not identical in the two populations studied. Moreover, we have no information regarding the severity of illness of the patients included, and the quantity of blood drawn per day. Thus, as mentioned by the authors, a large prospective study is needed.

Michael Piagnerelli