PRBC
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Packed red blood cells |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PRBC stands for Packed red blood cells, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Red blood cells separated from whole blood with most plasma removed, the blood product transfused for anemia or bleeding. One adult unit typically raises hemoglobin by about 1 g/dL.
Example: Hgb 6.6 with symptomatic anemia: transfuse 1 unit PRBC, recheck H&H after.
Usage notes
Restrictive transfusion thresholds, generally a hemoglobin below 7 g/dL for most hospitalized adults and 8 for some cardiac and orthopedic patients, are recommended by AABB guidelines after trials such as TRICC (1999) showed them to be as safe as liberal strategies. Units must be ABO- and Rh-compatible, and type O negative is the emergency universal donor type. Also written pRBC or RBC.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- PD-L1 – Programmed death-ligand 1
- PFS – Progression-free survival
- Ph – Philadelphia chromosome
- PMF – Primary myelofibrosis
- PNH – Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
- PR – Partial response
- PS – Performance status
- PTLD – Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
- PV – Polycythemia vera
- R-CHOP – Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin (doxorubicin)…
- RECIST – Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors
- RT – Radiation therapy
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.