Is 7 a low blood count?

A normal hemoglobin level is 11 to 18 grams per deciliter (g/dL), depending on your age and gender. But 7 to 8 g/dL is a safe level.

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Blood Transfusions for Anemia in the Hospital How much blood do you need?

Getting a blood transfusion in the hospital can save your life. You may need a lot of blood if you are bleeding heavily because of an injury or illness. But anemia is usually not urgent. And usually you don’t need a lot of blood. You may only need one unit of blood while you are in the hospital. Or you may not need any blood at all. Here’s why:

What is anemia?

If you have anemia, your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells, or they don’t work properly. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin. This is an iron-rich protein that helps bring oxygen to the body. Anemia is measured in hemoglobin levels. There are a number of reasons you may become anemic while you are in the hospital, including:

Bleeding

Frequent blood draws

Liver and kidney damage

A chronic condition or disease

Medications

Kidney disease

Chronic infections

Cancer

Extra blood units are not helpful.

A normal hemoglobin level is 11 to 18 grams per deciliter (g/dL), depending on your age and gender. But 7 to 8 g/dL is a safe level. Your doctor should use just enough blood to get to this level. Often, one unit of blood is enough. Some doctors believe that hospital patients who fall below 10 g/dL should get a blood transfusion. But recent research found that: Many patients with levels between 7 and 10 g/dL may not need a blood transfusion. One unit of blood is usually as good as two, and it may even be safer. Some patients in intensive care may do better when they receive less blood.

Using more blood units may increase risks.

In the U.S., the blood is generally very safe (see Advice column). The risks when you get blood are very small. They include:

Cardiac overload—severe shortness of breath from overloading the heart with fluid

Lung injury

Infections

These problems can happen with any transfusion. But the risks are higher if you get more blood.

Blood transfusions can cost a lot.

A unit of blood usually costs about $200 to $300. There are added costs for storage and processing, as well as hospital and equipment fees. Costs can be much higher if the transfusion causes an infection or serious problem. Also, if you only use the blood you need, you are helping to keep a blood supply for other people.

Do patients ever need more than one unit?

Most patients do well with just one unit of blood, if the transfusion is not for an emergency. But some people may need more blood. Discuss this with your doctor.

You may need more than one unit if:

You have bleeding that is not well controlled, such as bleeding that continues during surgery. You have severe anemia and unstable chest pain. (“Unstable” means that your symptoms keep changing.) This report is for you to use when talking with your health-care provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk. © 2018 Consumer Reports. Developed in cooperation with the American Society of Hematology.

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What should you not drink if you are anemic?

Do not take antacids or drink milk or caffeine drinks (such as coffee, tea, or cola) at the same time or within 2 hours of the time that you take your iron. They can make it hard for your body to absorb the iron. Vitamin C (from food or supplements) helps your body absorb iron.

myhealth.alberta.ca - Anemia: Care Instructions - My Health Alberta

Your Care Instructions

Anemia is a low level of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. Many things can cause anemia. Lack of iron is one of the most common causes. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to your body's cells. Without enough iron, the body produces fewer and smaller red blood cells. As a result, your body's cells do not get enough oxygen, and you feel tired and weak. And you may have trouble concentrating. Bleeding is the most common cause of a lack of iron. You may have heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding caused by conditions such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, or cancer. Regular use of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) also can cause bleeding in some people. A lack of iron in your diet also can cause anemia, especially at times when the body needs more iron, such as during pregnancy, infancy, and the teen years. Your doctor may have prescribed iron pills. It may take several months of treatment for your iron levels to return to normal. Your doctor also may suggest that you eat foods that are rich in iron, such as meat and beans. There are many other causes of anemia. It is not always due to a lack of iron. Finding the specific cause of your anemia will help your doctor find the right treatment for you.

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