The collection process of whole blood has become more streamlined today than in the past. The availability of the high flow blood collection set and administration set has made it easier for the practitioner to administer whole blood transfusions in an emergency situation. Whole blood transfusions are indicated when there are concomitant deficits of oxygen-carrying capacity, blood volume, and coagulation factors. Compensatory mechanisms for augmenting oxygen delivery to tissues allow patients to tolerate modest degrees of anemia. These mechanisms include increasing cardiac output by raising stroke volume or heart rate; redistributing blood to areas requiring more oxygen; enhancing oxygen extractions by tissues; and increasing coronary artery blood flow, ventila-tory volume, and respiratory rates.
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