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Is Hemoglobin Level Of 73 A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Sat, 22 Aug 2015
Question: I am looking for some more information on hematology. My Dad is 81 years old and in a nursing home, he is a double amputee and keeps losing blood. The doctors have done colonoscopy and a gastroscopy and it was clear. I was told by a ER doctor that when his blood level goes below 80, he should have a blood transfusion. Dad has had 7 transfusions within the last year or so. He is tested weekly and today the level was 73, his doctor wants to wait another week, I'm worried that it will go too low. the doctor indicated if it goes below 70, they will do a transfusion. Is this normal?
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Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Blood transfusuoon is decided by hemoglobin level and clinical status of pt

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

The decision of blood transfusion depends on various factors.
Hemoglobin level is the foremost factor which decides when blood should be transfused.
However, there is no set hemoglobin level below which blood transfusion should be done.
Hemoglobin level and clinical condition are both assessed together in making decisions especially inpatients like your father who is on long term blood transfusion.
Thus, I suggest you to follow your doctors decision and do not worry about it.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

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Is Hemoglobin Level Of 73 A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: Blood transfusuoon is decided by hemoglobin level and clinical status of pt Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. The decision of blood transfusion depends on various factors. Hemoglobin level is the foremost factor which decides when blood should be transfused. However, there is no set hemoglobin level below which blood transfusion should be done. Hemoglobin level and clinical condition are both assessed together in making decisions especially inpatients like your father who is on long term blood transfusion. Thus, I suggest you to follow your doctors decision and do not worry about it. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri