Hemoglobin equilibration after transfusion in stable postpartum patients

Abstract Objective Hemoglobin levels are typically checked 4 h after transfusion to assess response, but this delay is unnecessary in nonpregnant adult patients. It remains unclear if postpartum patients need time for hemoglobin levels to stabilize due to post‐delivery pregnancy physiology. This study aims to determine if immediate reassessment of hemoglobin following transfusion is sufficient for postpartum patients. Methods This is a single‐center, prospective study from February to July 2025 in which serial hemoglobin assessments (immediate, 4 h, 12 h after transfusion) were completed following the transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Exclusion criteria were the following: hemodynamic instability, >72 h from delivery, massive transfusion protocol activation, more than four units PRBC transfused, or missed lab draw timing >15 min. Power analysis determined that 23 patients would be needed for 80% power to detect a difference of 0.6 g/dL using paired t ‐tests with a two‐sided p value of