Estimated Blood Loss

Helps surgeons/anesthesiologists assess adequate fluid replacement, need for transfusion, ongoing bleeding risk. Underestimating = inadequate resuscitation; overestimating = unnecessary transfusions.

Decent proxy. But affected by fluid administered, ongoing losses. Direct measurement (weighing gauze, cell salvage) more accurate. Hemoglobin drop estimates minimum loss.

Persistent low-grade bleeding can add up. Monitor hourly drain output post-op. > 200 mL/hr suggests coagulopathy or inadequate hemostasis. Intervention needed.