Reflections on the Dublin BLOODHIT Conference

Reflections on the Dublin BLOODHIT Conference
By Mark Popovsky, MD

The recent BLOODHIT conference in Dublin was a remarkable event, bringing together 180 attendees from across Europe and beyond, all united by a shared commitment to advancing blood donation, infection management, hematology, and transfusion medicine. Representing Velico at this prestigious gathering was both an honor and an opportunity to contribute to meaningful conversations shaping our field.

BLOODHIT conference provided the perfect stage to showcase our work. I had the privilege of presenting both an oral paper and a poster detailing the design and outcomes of our FrontlineODP ™ spray dried plasma system. The response was beyond encouraging and the enthusiasm for spray dried plasma highlights its transformative potential, particularly in addressing urgent clinical needs in transfusion medicine.

The interest didn’t stop there. I was approached by several attendees eager to discuss research collaborations—a testament to the shared vision and drive among our peers to innovate and improve patient outcomes and prevent death from bleeding.

A Velico podcast featuring ImpactLife’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Daniela Hermelin, was filmed at the event. This vibrant discussion provided a platform to delve into the challenges and opportunities provided by spray dried plasma.

One of the standout themes of the conference was the urgent need to address donor motivation and retention. Across Europe and globally, attracting younger donors and ensuring they maintain their commitment to donate is an ongoing challenge. Creative solutions and sustained outreach are essential if we are to secure the future of blood donation.

On the scientific front, the focus on pathogen-reduction technologies, cold-stored platelets, and the complex biology of von Willebrand Factor showcased how innovation continues to enhance the safety and efficacy of transfusion medicine.

The Dublin BLOODHIT conference was not just an event—it was a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done. For Velico, it was a validation of our efforts and a call to keep pushing forward.

The connections made, the insights shared, and the enthusiasm expressed all point to a future where collaboration will drive breakthroughs. As we move forward, I’m inspired by the possibilities and committed to building on the momentum from Dublin.

To those who attended, thank you for your insights and energy. Together, we’re shaping the next chapter of transfusion medicine.

Mark Popovsky, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Velico