Pediatric Blood Transfusion Volume Calculator

Your details

The child's current body weight. The formula is validated for children up to ~40 kg.
kg
The rise in hemoglobin concentration you want to achieve with this transfusion. Typical target increments are 1-3 g/dL.
g/dL
The hematocrit of the pRBC unit to be transfused. Typical UK/US pRBC units range from 55-65%. Use the value on the blood bank label if available.
%
The child's current hemoglobin level. Optional - used to display the post-transfusion target Hb and check against transfusion thresholds.
g/dL
Transfusion volumeVolume within typical range
200mL

Volume of pRBCs to infuse (BTV = weight x Hb increment x 3 / Hct decimal)

Volume per kg10mL/kg
Target Hb (post-transfusion)9g/dL
Typical infusion time2hours
Rate at 5 mL/kg/hr100mL/hr
Transfusion volume (mL)200
Infusion rate (mL/hr)100

Transfuse 200 mL of pRBCs to raise Hb by 2.0 g/dL.

  • At a hematocrit of 60%, delivering 200 mL is expected to raise hemoglobin by 2.0 g/dL.
  • This equals 10.0 mL/kg. A 10 mL/kg pRBC transfusion with a 60% Hct unit typically raises Hb by about 2 g/dL.
  • Starting from 7.0 g/dL, the expected post-transfusion Hb is 9.0 g/dL.
  • Current Hb is at or above 7 g/dL - confirm clinical indication before transfusing stable patients, per restrictive-strategy guidelines.
  • At the standard starting rate of 5 mL/kg/hr, infusion takes about 2.0 hours. Most centers complete pRBC transfusions within 4 hours per unit.

Next stepThis result is a clinical decision-support estimate. Always verify with the attending physician, adjust for the child's clinical status, and confirm the blood bank unit hematocrit before administration.

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