Blood transfusion is a field where there have been, and continues to be, significant advances in science, technology and most particularly governance. This book aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of both the scientific and managerial aspects of blood transfusion medicine. The book is intended to equip biomedical, clinical and allied medical professionals with practical tools to allow for an informed practice in the field of blood transfusion science. Dr. Erhabor Osaro 2013

It is an honour and a pleasure to welcome you all at this 20th annual International Symposium on Blood Transfusion in the Netherlands. This year you celebrate its 20th anniversary and I congratulate the Staff of the Blood Bank Noord Nederland and especially Dr. Smit Sibinga for this great achievement. As most of you know, the name of the person of Dr. Smit Sibinga is unbreakably con nected with the annual symposium in Groningen which he has organized each year from the very start, 20 years ago. The reputation of any symposium depends heavily on the quality of the lectures. I think it is not possible to organize 20 symposia in a row if the topics lack actual relevance and the speakers are not of excellent reputation. Dr. Smit Sibinga has proven to have a keen eye for selecting interesting themes and eminent speakers. Although a lot of different topics have been dealt with in the past 20 years, which each attracted the attention of a different group in the field of blood transfusion, it is not surprising that after a tradition of 20 years several speakers but also a lot of attendees are not for the first time in Groningen to participate in this event. It gives the symposium a unique atmosphere of intimacy. It is not hard to admit that most of the newer developments in transfusion medicine take place outside the Netherlands.

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is an innovative clinical concept that aims to reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusions, cut health-care costs, and avert or correct the risk factors related to blood transfusion, thus minimizing the rate of side effects and complications. This comprehensive hands-on volume offers a three-point approach for the implementation of PBM to improve patient outcome, focusing on how to prevent or treat anemia, reduce blood loss, and increase anemia tolerance. The book also goes beyond preoperative PBM, with detailed accounts of coagulation disorder management and the administration of coagulation products and platelet concentrates. Special Features: Presents a clear three-pillar strategy for the application of PBM: diagnosis and treatment of anemia, reduction of peri-interventional blood loss, and optimization of the tolerance to anemia in the everyday clinical setting Covers issues such as PBM during surgery, requirements for modern transfusion medicine, ordering blood products, the role of pre-anesthesia clinics, benchmarking processes, and potential implications of PBM in the public health sector Overview of research in PBM including landmark studies and current clinical trials Boxes in each chapter highlighting key information, core statements, and summaries A multidisciplinary and international team of contributors experienced in PBM Patient Blood Management is a guide for clinicians and residents whose patients are at risk for anemia, coagulation disorders, or severe blood loss. Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and specialists involved in the use of blood and blood products can use the book for quick reference or to learn more about a leading-edge concept for optimizing patient safety and improving outcome.