How do I/we forecast tomorrows’ transfusion: Blood components

The current implementation of Pathogen Reduction Technologies (PRTs) offers advantages and disadvantages to transfusion medicine. PRT rollout may significantly reduce the incidence of transfusion-transmitted infections and immune reactions, while offering a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to future pathogens in blood products. However, the decrease in transfusion efficacy of PRT-treated blood products suggests that the demand for blood products may increase, further straining the already limited supply of these cells. Conversely, cold-stored platelets and whole-blood transfusions have re-emerged, potentially granting more effective transfusion options to bleeding patients. The renewed focus on donor variability, storage quality, and transfusion outcome presents another avenue through which transfusion quality and supply may be improved.