Blood transfusions should be avoided if possible, and many previous uses of blood and blood products are now no longer considered appropriate. The indications for blood transfusion are as follows: ● Acute blood loss, to replace circulating volume and main- tain oxygen delivery; ● Perioperative anaemia, to ensure adequate oxygen deliv- ery during the perioperative phase; ● Symptomatic chronic anaemia, without haemorrhage or impending surgery.