Transfusion threshold (AABB 2023 restrictive)
Restrictive transfusion threshold (AABB 2023): given a hemoglobin (g/dL) and a patient population, reports the population-specific restrictive threshold and whether the value is below it.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Hemoglobin
- 6.8 g/dL
- Patient population
- Stable hospitalized adult (incl. critically ill)
Result: below the 7 g/dL AABB restrictive threshold
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- Thresholds
- Restrictive Hgb threshold 7 g/dL for stable adults (incl. critically ill), stable critically ill children, and heme/onc patients; 7.5 cardiac surgery; 8 orthopedic surgery or cardiovascular disease.
- Below
- Hemoglobin below the population threshold — transfusion is reasonable per AABB 2023.
- At or above
- Restrictive strategy applies — do not transfuse on the hemoglobin alone.
- ACS
- Acute coronary syndrome has no AABB numeric recommendation (insufficient evidence); active symptoms can justify transfusion above the threshold. A guideline comparison, not an order.
What you enter
- Hemoglobin
- Patient population
- Active symptomatic anemia
How this is calculated
Carson JL, Stanworth SJ, Guyatt G, et al. Red Blood Cell Transfusion: 2023 AABB International Guidelines. JAMA. 2023;330(19):1892-1902. Restrictive Hgb threshold 7 g/dL (stable adults/children), 7.5 (cardiac surgery), 8 (orthopedic/CVD); no recommendation for acute coronary syndrome. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.