Table 2.

Comparison between simple and exchange transfusion

	Simple transfusion	Exchange transfusion
Description	• Infuse donor blood without removing patient's blood	• Remove patient's blood during or shortly before infusing donor blood • May be partial or total exchange • May be performed manually or via apheresis
Indication/recommendation	• Acute anemia • Acute complications (ie, ACS) with Hb	• Severe ACS failing to respond to simple transfusion • Acute complications with Hb ≥9 g/dL • Conditions requiring reduced HbS percentage (ie, stroke/stroke prevention
Potential risks and/or limitations	• Hyperviscosity • Iron overload	• Iron overload (less frequent than simple transfusion) • May require central venous catheter • Requires specialized equipment and trained staff • Costly (compared to simple transfusion