Pediatric Blood Transfusion Volume Calculator
Calculate blood transfusion volume for children to achieve target hemoglobin increment
Patient Information
Pediatric weight range: 0.5-150 kg
Typical range: 55-70% for packed RBCs
Hemoglobin Information
Direct input of desired hemoglobin increase
Example Calculation
5-year-old with Anemia
Patient: 5-year-old child, 20 kg
Current Hemoglobin: 6.5 g/dL
Target Hemoglobin: 9.0 g/dL
Desired Increment: 2.5 g/dL
Hematocrit of Packed RBCs: 60% (0.6 decimal)
Calculation
BTV = 20 kg × 2.5 g/dL × 3 / 0.6
BTV = 150 / 0.6
BTV = 250 mL
Volume per kg: 12.5 mL/kg (standard range)
Normal Hematocrit Values
Newborns (0-1 month)
42-65%
2nd month
33-55%
3-6 months
28-41%
6+ months
31-41%
1-5 years
31-44%
5+ years
Males: 37-48%
Females: 34-44%
Transfusion Guidelines
Safety Considerations
- Monitor for fluid overload
- Consider dividing dose
- Slower infusion rate
- Cardiac monitoring may be needed
- Verify blood type compatibility
- Pre-transfusion vitals
- Monitor during infusion
- Watch for transfusion reactions
Understanding Pediatric Blood Transfusion Volume Calculation
Why Use This Calculator?
Unlike adults where "one unit raises hemoglobin by 1 g/dL," children require precise calculations due to their varying blood volumes based on weight and age. This calculator uses the evidence-based formula from Davies et al. to ensure accurate volume calculations for pediatric patients.
Key Factors
- •Patient Weight: Determines total blood volume
- •Hematocrit: Concentration of RBCs in transfused blood
- •Hemoglobin Increment: Target increase in hemoglobin level
Formula Explanation
BTV (mL) = Weight (kg) × Increment (g/dL) × 3 / Hematocrit
- BTV: Blood Transfusion Volume in mL
- Weight: Patient weight in kg
- Increment: Desired hemoglobin increase in g/dL
- 3: Constant factor for volume calculation
- Hematocrit: Expressed as decimal (60% = 0.6)
Source: Davies P, Robertson S, Hegde S, et al. "Calculating the required transfusion volume in children"
Critical Medical Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and must never replace clinical judgment or established institutional protocols. Blood transfusion decisions require comprehensive patient assessment including clinical condition, laboratory values, and individual risk factors. Always verify calculations independently and consult with hematology/transfusion medicine specialists for complex cases. The actual hemoglobin response may vary based on factors not included in this formula such as ongoing blood loss, hemolysis, or dilutional effects. Healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring appropriate patient monitoring, blood product compatibility, and adherence to institutional transfusion guidelines.