Fig. 1. Graphic representation of equation 2. Each curve delineates the maximal fraction of blood volume loss (VRem/VBld), which does not require erythrocyte transfusion or an erythrocyte conservation strategy to maintain a trigger hematocrit (Ht) for a given initial hematocrit (Ho). Therefore, VRem/VBldis also the minimal fractional blood loss required to initiate erythrocyte savings by acute normovolemic hemodilution.