Blood Product Transfusion Decision Tool
VetEmCrit Academy — Canine & Feline
Step 1: Patient Information
You may proceed without a platelet count if not yet available. Clinical assessment of bleeding will guide platelet transfusion decisions.
Step 2: What Is the Indication for Transfusion?
Select all that apply. Multiple indications may require multiple products.
Anemia Details
Coagulopathy Details
Hypoalbuminemia Details
Hemodynamically unstable patients with albumin <2 g/dL may benefit from albumin transfusion to support oncotic pressure and hemodynamic stability.
Thrombocytopenia Details
Antifibrinolytic Details
Step 3: Recommended Product(s)
Based on your selections, here are the recommended blood products. Adjust based on availability.
Confirm Products to Administer
Step 4: Dose & Rate Calculations
Desired PCV Increase
How much do you want to raise the PCV? This will calculate the exact volume of RBC product needed.
Target post-transfusion PCV: 20–25%. Do NOT aim for a normal PCV — allow continued erythropoietic stimulation.
Step 5: Blood Typing & Crossmatching
Step 6: Transfusion Plan Summary
Monitoring Checklist (Per TRACS Guidelines)
Baseline (pre-transfusion)T, HR, RR, BP, SpO₂, MM color
15 min (end of test dose)T, HR, RR, BP, patient demeanor
Every 30–60 minT, HR, RR, comfort, urine color
At completionT, HR, RR, BP, SpO₂
1–2 hours postPCV/TS, coags (if plasma given), albumin
12–24 hours postPCV/TS, clinical reassessment
Transfusion Reaction Watch Signs
STOP transfusion immediately if: fever (≥1°C increase), vomiting, tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea/dyspnea, urticaria/facial swelling, hemoglobinuria, collapse, or any acute change in patient status.
Dogs: Allergic reactions typically involve skin and GI tract.
Cats: Allergic reactions are primarily respiratory.
Emergency Drug Reference
Epinephrine (anaphylaxis)0.01 mg/kg IV/IM
Diphenhydramine (allergic)1–2 mg/kg IM
Dexamethasone SP0.1–0.2 mg/kg IV
Furosemide (TACO)1–2 mg/kg IV
Maropitant (vomiting)1 mg/kg IV slow / SC
TRACS Guidelines (Open Access):
Part 1: Definitions & Clinical Signs | Part 2: Prevention & Monitoring | Part 3: Diagnosis & Treatment
Pet Blood Bank UK Monitoring Form
Part 1: Definitions & Clinical Signs | Part 2: Prevention & Monitoring | Part 3: Diagnosis & Treatment
Pet Blood Bank UK Monitoring Form
This tool is for educational and clinical decision-support purposes only.
Clinical judgment always supersedes algorithm recommendations.
© VetEmCrit Academy — academy.vetemcrit.com
References: Manual of Veterinary Transfusion Medicine (Yagi & Holowaychuk, 2016); AVHTM TRACS (Davidow et al., 2021); Cornell Transfusion Guidelines
Clinical judgment always supersedes algorithm recommendations.
© VetEmCrit Academy — academy.vetemcrit.com
References: Manual of Veterinary Transfusion Medicine (Yagi & Holowaychuk, 2016); AVHTM TRACS (Davidow et al., 2021); Cornell Transfusion Guidelines
