Transfusioteenused

Transfusioteenused (Estonian for transfusion services) form the organized system responsible for ensuring the collection, testing, processing, storage, and provision of blood and blood components for patient care. They operate at national, regional, and hospital levels and coordinate with blood banks, hospitals, and laboratories to meet clinical needs while maintaining safety and traceability.

Core functions include donor recruitment and screening, collection (whole blood and apheresis), laboratory testing for infectious diseases and red blood cell antigen compatibility, processing and component separation, labeling, and storage under appropriate conditions. Inventory management and distribution ensure timely availability of red cells, platelets, plasma, and other products. Every step emphasizes traceability from donor to recipient, rapid adverse-event reporting, and adherence to safety standards.

Clinical transfusion practice relies on compatibility testing (ABO and Rh typing, antibody screening), crossmatching when required, and appropriate matching of products to patient needs. Blood components are stored under specified conditions (e.g., red cells at 2–6°C, platelets at room temperature with agitation, plasma frozen) and delivered with documented handling and transfusion records.

Safety and regulation are ensured by national health authorities and professional bodies, with quality management systems, accreditation, and hemovigilance programs to monitor and investigate transfusion-related adverse events. Donor safety, ethical recruitment—often emphasizing voluntary non-remunerated donation—and privacy protection are essential considerations.

Global context and trends: many countries operate centralized or hospital-based transfusion services, guided by international standards from WHO, ISBT, and AABB. Emerging topics include pathogen reduction, automation, enhanced traceability, and strategies to address shortages while maintaining product safety.