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Blood Volume & Allowable Loss Calculator

Calculate estimated blood volume and maximum allowable blood loss by weight and hematocrit. Free nursing and surgical calculator with an example.

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What it does

Estimates blood volume and a blood-loss amount from a study factor and hematocrit values supplied in a problem. It does not choose a transfusion threshold.

The formulas

EBV = weight kg × selected factor in mL/kg. The tool offers these study factors: adult 70, child 75, infant 80, term neonate 85 and preterm neonate 95. blood-loss estimate = EBV × (starting Hct − supplied minimum Hct) ÷ starting Hct.

Worked example

For a 70 kg adult using the 70 mL/kg study factor and hematocrit values of 40% and 30%: EBV = 70 × 70 = 4900 mL. The blood-loss estimate is 4900 × (40 − 30) ÷ 40 = 1225 mL.

Good to know

Blood-volume factors and blood-loss models vary by age, body composition and reference. Use the model supplied by your study question. This estimate does not make a transfusion decision.

Study calculations only, not dosing recommendations. Real medication orders and administration require the appropriate clinical checks and facility protocol.

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