Bloodletting tradition in Slovenia: No one has ever failed to receive blood when they needed it

Slovenia has achieved self-sufficiency in blood supply, according to Valentina Filipović Samec from the Republic of Slovenia Blood Transfusion Institute. The country’s current stock of blood components is sufficient, though subject to daily fluctuations, she stated during an interview with STA. These variations are monitored closely, ensuring that supply meets demand effectively. The need for different blood group components aligns roughly with their distribution among the population, she explained. However, availability depends heavily on the number of donors, the amount of blood collected, and patient requirements. Daily monitoring of blood component levels per blood group allows adjustments based on patient needs. Data on blood reserves are published daily on the institute's website. Slovenia fully covers its healthcare system’s blood needs, she emphasized. According to her statements, there has been no instance where someone did not receive blood when needed. With prior approval from the Ministry of Health, the country could potentially provide international humanitarian aid in the future. Approximately 90,000 people register annually for blood donation, with around 80,000 donations taking place each year. About ten percent of these individuals are first-time donors. In the Slovenian population, blood groups A and O are the most common, accounting for approximately 40% and 38%, respectively. Blood group B makes up 15%, while AB is present in about seven percent of the population. People with AB blood can receive transfusions from any blood type. Approximately 82% of the population has RhD positive blood, while only about 18% have RhD negative blood. Blood group AB, RhD negative is the rarest, found in just one percent of the population. This scarcity means that maintaining adequate supplies of this specific blood type requires careful management. Thanks to a 70-year tradition of blood donation in Slovenia, established procedures ensure that blood supplies are adjusted efficiently. A key factor in this process is the partnership between the Red Cross of Slovenia and the transfusion service. Donors are invited via SMS to schedule blood donation appointments. Before scheduling, a triage process ensures that only eligible individuals attend blood donation sessions. Donors must check their eligibility before registering for a donation session. Eligibility criteria for blood donation are designed to ensure both safe blood collection and donor health protection. Individuals aged between 18 and 65 who weigh over 50 kilograms or whose blood volume, calculated based on height and weight, exceeds 3,500 milliliters are eligible. Minimum hemoglobin levels are 135 grams per liter for men and 125 grams per liter for women. Men can donate whole blood every three months, while women can do so every four months. Reasons preventing a donor from giving blood are numerous, which is why donors are encouraged to verify their eligibility before registering for a donation. Donors are invited to call and book appointments at the nearest transfusion center or blood donation event based on current blood supply conditions. Phone numbers for booking appointments at field blood drives and transfusion centers are available on the institute's and Red Cross of Slovenia websites. "We are pleased that donors cooperate and respond to calls from the Red Cross and transfusion services. Their active participation helps balance blood supplies, for which we sincerely thank them," Filipović Samec said. She noted that the number of donors is sufficient and highlighted the high readiness of people to donate blood. The long-term tradition of blood donation in Slovenia has led to well-established procedures for adjusting blood supplies based on needs. The partnership between the Red Cross of Slovenia and the transfusion service plays a crucial role in this process. Donors are invited through SMS to schedule blood donation appointments. During the phone registration process, a triage ensures that only those meeting the donation criteria attend the appointment. Eligibility criteria aim to ensure both safe blood collection and donor safety. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who weighs more than 50 kilograms or whose blood volume, calculated using height and weight, exceeds 3,500 milliliters is eligible. Minimum hemoglobin levels are set at 135 grams per liter for men and 125 grams per liter for women. Men can donate whole blood every three months, while women can do so every four months. There are many reasons why a donor might not be able to give blood, hence the emphasis on checking eligibility before registering for a donation. Donors are encouraged to call and schedule appointments at the nearest transfusion center or blood drive based on current blood supply status. Phone numbers for booking appointments at field blood drives and transfusion centers are accessible on the institute's and Red Cross of Slovenia websites. "We are glad that donors collaborate and respond to invitations from the Red Cross and transfusion services. Their active involvement helps maintain balanced blood supplies, for which we genuinely appreciate their contribution," Filipović Samec remarked. She confirmed that the number of donors is adequate and pointed out the high level of public willingness to donate blood.