In our perpetually evolving pursuit to optimize the risk-benefit profile of perioperative interventions, the decision to administer allogeneic blood products is fraught with extraordinarily conflicting goals. This infographic summarizes the results of a retrospective analysis that examines the relationship between perioperative blood transfusion and infectious complications. Superficial and deep incisional infections appear not to be influenced whereas organ space infections and septic shock are associated with the administration of blood products.