Your transfusion schedule & Hb target

Most transfusion-dependent patients are transfused every 2–5 weeks. The aim is to keep the pre-transfusion (lowest) haemoglobin around 90–105 g/L (9–10.5 g/dL). A higher target (110–120 g/L) may be used for those with heart complications or who don’t suppress the marrow at the lower level.

The post-transfusion level is generally kept below 130–150 g/L. The right amount of blood is worked out from your weight and the target — younger children may get a fraction of a unit to avoid over- or under-transfusing.

If you feel wiped out in the days before a transfusion, mention it — the interval or amount can sometimes be fine-tuned.