Balanced Component and Whole-Blood Transfusion Practices in US Trauma Centers - Report - MDSpire
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Transfusion Strategies for Components and Whole Blood in Trauma Centers Across the United States

  • By

  • Pawan Acharya

  • Russell Griffin

  • Molly P. Jarman

  • Chandler A. Annesi

  • Jan O. Jansen

  • Jeffrey D. Kerby

  • John B. Holcomb

  • Zain G. Hashmi

  • September 4, 2026

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Transfusion Strategies for Components and Whole Blood in Trauma Centers

Overview

This study evaluates the adoption of balanced component transfusion and whole blood (WB) use in US trauma centers, revealing significant hospital-level variation. The findings indicate a rising trend in the use of these transfusion strategies over time.

Background

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of early mortality following traumatic injuries, necessitating effective resuscitation strategies. Balanced component transfusion, typically in a 1:1:1 ratio of plasma, platelets, and red blood cells, has been associated with improved outcomes. The increasing endorsement of WB for initial resuscitation highlights the need to understand its implementation across trauma centers.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Balanced component transfusion is central to damage control resuscitation.
  • Whole blood (WB) transfusion offers logistical advantages in trauma care.
  • National implementation of balanced transfusion and WB programs is not uniformly defined across US trauma centers.
  • Adoption of these transfusion strategies varies significantly between hospitals.
  • Factors influencing adoption include infrastructure, blood bank capability, and regulatory oversight.

Clinical Implications

Understanding the variation in transfusion practices among trauma centers is crucial.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for standardized practices across institutions.

Related Resources & Content

  1. JAMA Surgery, 2026 -- Error in Key Points
  2. Critical Care, 2025 -- Therapeutic target of high fresh frozen plasma to red blood cell ratio in severe blunt trauma
  3. Critical Care, 2026 -- Low-titer group O whole blood transfusion in high-intensity war: an insight from Ukraine
  4. EAST, 2024 -- Whole Blood Resuscitation for Injured Patients Requiring Transfusion: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Practice Management Guideline
  5. AABB Circular of Information, 2024 -- Circular of Information for the Use of Human Blood and Blood Components
  6. ACS, 2022 -- Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient 2022 Standards
  7. sentara — Sentara Reduces Blood Transfusions by 6,600 Across 12 Hospitals
  8. Prehospital Whole Blood for Traumatic Hemorrhage
  9. Whole Blood Resuscitation for Injured Patients Requiring Transfusion: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Practice Management Guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma - Practice Management Guideline
  10. Circular of Information for the Use of Human Blood and Blood Components - Watermarked Version
  11. Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient 2022 Standards - Revised July 2025
  12. Full article: Prehospital Trauma Compendium: Transfusion of Blood Products in Trauma – A Position Statement and Resource Document of NAEMSP
  13. Transfusion of Plasma, Platelets, and Red Blood Cells in a 1:1:1 vs a 1:1:2 Ratio and Mortality in Patients With Severe Trauma: The PROPPR Randomized Clinical Trial | Bleeding and Transfusion | JAMA | JAMA Network
  14. Prehospital Whole Blood in Traumatic Hemorrhage - a Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed

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