Current transfusion practices.

Utilization of packed red blood cells (PRBC) and plasma components individually or in combination allows replacement of the precise blood element needed, while avoiding some of the potential hazards of whole blood transfusions. Transfusion of PRBC, rather than whole blood, reduces the risk of circulatory overload and nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. Frozen PRBC essentially eliminate leukocyte or platelet sensitization and transmission of hepatitis is extremely rare.