Could smaller blood tubes save patients from unnecessary transfusions?

NCT ID NCT05750654

Completed Disease control Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether using smaller tubes for routine blood draws can reduce the number of red blood cell transfusions needed by anemic patients in intensive care. About 688 adults with low hemoglobin will be randomly assigned to have blood drawn with either small or standard-size tubes. The goal is to see if drawing less blood leads to fewer transfusions, without harming patient care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: small phlebotomy tubes
What this could lead to: If it works, this simple change could reduce the number of blood transfusions needed for anemic ICU patients, lowering risks and costs.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage trial. The benefit may be modest, and results may not apply to all ICU patients or settings.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anemia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANEMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.