What is the primary purpose of administering packed red blood cells?

Administering packed red blood cells primarily aims to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Packed red blood cells contain a higher concentration of red blood cells compared to whole blood, allowing for a more effective transport of oxygen throughout the body. This is especially critical in situations where a patient is experiencing anemia, significant blood loss, or any condition that reduces the oxygen delivery to tissues.

While the reduction of symptoms of anemia and improvement of clotting ability are important considerations in patient care, they are secondary effects of the primary purpose of packed red blood cells. The main goal remains enhancing the oxygen content in circulation, ensuring that tissues receive sufficient oxygen for proper functioning, particularly in instances where it is critically deficient.

Expanding plasma volume is also not the primary reason for administering packed red blood cells, as this type of transfusion is focused more on red blood cell mass rather than plasma. Plasma expansion is typically addressed using different products, like crystalloids or colloids, rather than packed red blood cells.