The main goal of the Estonian Society of Transfusion Medicine (ETMS) is to introduce and implement the principles of modern, evidence-based transfusion medicine (Blood Management) in Estonia.
Anemia is a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration below age- and sex-specific reference limits. According to the World Health Organization’s definition, the normal Hb threshold is 120 g/L for women and 130 g/L for men.
Patient Blood Management (PBM) is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach in modern transfusion medicine aimed at optimizing the care of patients who may require blood transfusion.
During the pandemic, it has become evident that a portion of the population has been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus without showing any symptoms. Without the use of nucleic acid testing (NAT) for donor blood screening, the possibility of virus transmission through blood cannot be ruled out. We are facing significant uncertainty, and only future studies can reveal the true risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via transfusion.
