Which statement best describes anemia treatment when transfusion is indicated?

• A. Replacement with type and screen or type crossmatch blood
• B. Iron supplementation only
• C. Platelet transfusion
• D. Fluids alone

Answer: (A)

When transfusion is indicated for anemia, the goal is to rapidly restore red cell mass with donor red blood cells that are compatible with the patient. This requires pretransfusion compatibility testing: a type and screen to determine ABO and Rh status and detect antibodies, or a type and crossmatch where donor cells are tested against the recipient’s blood to confirm compatibility. Providing compatible blood minimizes the risk of a severe transfusion reaction and ensures the patient receives the needed oxygen-carrying capacity quickly.

Iron supplementation alone won’t address an acute deficit in red cells and takes time to build up stores, so it isn’t sufficient when transfusion is indicated. Platelet transfusion is for low platelets, not anemia. Fluids alone won’t replace the red cell mass.