Verevarud

Verevarud is the Estonian term for the stock of blood and blood components maintained by a country's blood services for medical use. The term encompasses whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and other prepared products required to treat patients who have experienced blood loss, need transfusion during surgery, or require supportive care in cancer therapy and neonatal medicine. Verevarud aims to be safe, sufficient, and readily available to hospitals while minimizing waste.

Supply is predominantly built from voluntary, non-remunerated donations collected by national blood services. Donors undergo health screening, and donated blood is tested for infectious diseases and blood type. The blood is processed into components (red cells, plasma, platelets) to maximize utility and flexibility. Inventory is managed to balance supply with demand, with distribution to hospitals based on need and compatibility.

Storage and shelf life vary by component. Red blood cells are stored refrigerated for several weeks; platelets at room temperature with gentle agitation for only a few days; plasma can be frozen for extended periods. Safety measures include screening, pathogen reduction when applicable, crossmatching for compatibility, and strict traceability from donor to recipient.

Challenges include seasonal fluctuations in donations, regional disparities, and preparedness for emergencies. Ongoing efforts focus on donor recruitment, public awareness campaigns, technological advances in preservation and pathogen reduction, and policies to optimize the use of verevarud while ensuring safety.