Where we stand

Our survey of 17 blood establishments across 16 countries found that 59% could establish vein-to-vein links for transfusion research, though only 29% had automated systems to do so. Although data on donors, components, and recipients can be collected, data linkage enabling long-term health outcome follow-up remains difficult. Scandinavian registers facilitate such tracking, but most other countries must rely on ad hoc approaches. Survey respondents highlighted that advancing PETRA will require addressing key challenges including appropriate legal frameworks, consent processes, and adequate resourcing.

Building on this foundation, PETRA partners analysed hospital data flows and digital capabilities across 12 hospitals in 10 European countries. Most sites reported integrated electronic health record and laboratory systems capturing transfusion events and patient information, creating opportunities for linkage to clinical outcomes. However, only about one-third had direct electronic integration with blood-supplier systems, and fewer than half could access linked surgical or treatment data. Limited IT resources, weak interoperability, and restricted analytical capacity were the most common barriers. Drawing on these insights, PETRA has conducted an iterative consensus process to design a harmonised core dataset covering both site-level information and key transfusion indicators, including pre-transfusion haemoglobin, single-unit and massive transfusions, and iron-deficiency anaemia. Twenty hospitals have now collected this dataset along with data source information demonstrating that aggregate level electronic reporting is feasible across diverse digital systems while also highlighting where more detailed recording and stronger electronic capabilities are needed to support future benchmarking and research.

PETRA is now advancing a more extensive “Where Does Blood Go?” study, in which participating hospitals will link transfusion records with ICD-10 diagnosis and surgical procedure codes to map patterns of red-cell, plasma, and platelet use across Europe. This analysis will quantify transfusion demand, highlight variation between specialties and countries, and illustrate the potential of harmonised transfusion data for benchmarking and patient blood management initiatives. Together, these efforts lay the groundwork for a sustainable, pan-European vein-to-vein data infrastructure to improve transfusion practice and patient outcomes.

While analyzing these initial findings we are developing a strategic plan for a coordinated European approach to donor and transfusion health data. This plan will identify key enablers and barriers, along with mitigation strategies, to ensure fair, open and equitable access to donor, product and patient data. It will also define infrastructure requirements, governance frameworks, and stakeholder roles, together with a roadmap for future collaborations and grant applications to advance PETRA.