Blood component therapy: Which, when and how much.

Blood transfusion refers to the perioperative administration of blood and blood components. Adherence to proper indications for blood component therapy is essential because of its potential adverse effects and costs of transfusion. Over the years, the significance of blood components in treating certain diseases or conditions has been recognized. In this article, the most commonly used blood components along with the new developments in component therapy have been discussed. Recommendations by different academic and clinical trials and studies have been presented for quick reference. The individual coagulation factors are discussed in brief.