Challenges in transfusion medicine — difficulties or advantages, what we can improve

The 20th century saw major developments in transfusion medicine. The discovery of blood groups, the introduction of anticoagulants and the adoption of plastic blood collection bags represent milestone achievements. Nowadays, transfusion medicine is facing significant challenges due to declining donor number, emerging and re emerging infectious agents, climate change, global population growth, natural disasters, armed conflicts and population migration. In response, the implementation of novel technologies for collection, processing, and testing of blood components necessitates that the adoption of optimal methodologies consider multiple factors – clinical efficacy, product quality, cost of processing, and personnel resources. The appropriate utilisation of blood components, as determined by evidence, constitutes a paramount concern within the domain of contemporary transfusion medicine. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing necessity for extensive research to facilitate the optimisation of treatment methodologies and introduce patient blood management (PBM). The automation of processes, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and novel treatment regimens require a multifaceted perspective on these developments. Interdisciplinary cooperation among blood establishments, non governmental organizations, diagnosticians, clinicians utilizing blood, donors, and patients is essential to further the advancement of transfusion medicine and address emerging challenges.