Blood transfusions should be used judiciously and minimally. It is prudent to use blood components and derivatives when needed.With one to two unit loss of blood, electrolyte administration may suffice; two to five unit losses require only partial replacement of red cells; over five unit losses, red cells and protein or reconstituted whole blood may be required.Electrolyte solutions or plasma expanders such as dextran are just as effective as albumin and plasma protein fraction. The use of fresh frozen plasma supplies all of the coagulation factors. Platelet transfusions may be life-saving when indicated.The decision as to what to transfuse and when to transfuse should be based on the premise of restoring body function to a viable and healthy state.