The aim of this study was to describe blood recipients and blood components transfused during the first 24 hours in 13 French hospitals. We included all blood recipients who had not had any blood transfusion within the past six months. Recipients were screened for red cell alloantibodies, the alanine aminotransferase activity and specific viral markers (hepatitis B and C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Eligible patients represented 47% of the all transfused. Among the 371 patients included, 57% were males and 71% were transfused in a surgical unit. Alloantibodies, non specific and specific viral markers were detected in 3%, 19% and 2% respectively. Among the patients included, 42 received 172 autologous units. In total, 1056 allogeneic units (an average of 3 units per patient) were transfused; blood products were leucocyte-depleted (49%) or leucocyte-poor (20%); 54% of red cell units were matched for antigens Rh and Kell. Neoplasms were the most frequently reported disease for which patients were transfused. This study provides baseline blood transfusion information on recipients and blood utilization for a specific period in French hospitals. Following this study, a national study will allow the clarification of the characteristics, for instance the surgical procedures requiring transfusion.