Massive transfusion varies by patient population. Cardiac and vascular surgeries account for about 40% of cases, while trauma, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and obstetric catastrophes, though important, make up a smaller percentage. Timely assessment and lab tests are crucial for optimal patient care. Historically, massive transfusion meant ten or more units of blood in 24 hours, but it's an arbitrary denition. Alternatives like "ultra-massive transfusion," Critical Administration Threshold for 1 hour (CAT-1), and Resuscitation Intensity (RI) Score provide more context. In volume and blood replacement, crystalloids are suitable for moderate blood loss, but severe trauma favors blood components like plasma, platelets, and packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in a 1:1:1 ratio. Continuous monitoring of hemoglobin, hemostasis, and metabolic parameters is vital. Lab testing helps assess coagulation, but point-of-care platforms provide quicker results.
