Guideline 5.1 Blood Transfusion in People with Anaemia of CKD:
We recommend that in people with anaemia of CKD, especially those in whom kidney transplantation is an option, red blood cell transfusion should be avoided if possible, to minimise the risk of allosensitisation. (1A)
Guideline 5.1.1
We recommend that if red blood cell transfusion becomes essential (usually in the setting of acute blood loss, acute haemolysis or severe sepsis), transfusion should be based on policies set by local transfusion guidelines rather than Hb target range for ESA therapy in anaemia of CKD. (1B)
Guideline 5.1.2
We suggest using single unit transfusion, where possible, for stable non-bleeding people with CKD who clinically require transfusion. (2B)
Guideline 5.1.3
We suggest that kidney transplant recipients, those on the transplant waiting list or people on immunosuppressive therapy should receive only hepatitis E negative blood components (all UK blood components are tested), but neither CMV negative nor irradiated blood is required. (2B)