Blood transfusion therapy.

Packed RBCs are specifically indicated for correction of chronic anemia and should be used along with volume expanders and whole blood in acute blood-loss anemia. Packed cells have many advantages over whole blood, not the least of which is that their use frees other blood components for use in other patients. Granulocytes may be beneficial in patients with antibiotic-resistant infection, and platelets in those with leukemia or any of a number of other causes of thrombocytopenia.