Background: The transfusion of allogeneic red blood cell units might be associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to infectious, immunological, pulmonary and thromboembolic complications. However, transfusion practice currently varies significantly between hospitals and even between physicians and Patient Blood Management programs have not been implemented nationwide in Germany yet. Patient Blood Management (PBM) concepts aim to identify and optimize patients at risk of allogeneic blood transfusions, to promote blood-sparing techniques and restrictive transfusion practices. A rational use of red blood cell concentrates and safe clinical transfusion practice is mandatory. The purpose of the German PBM network is to evaluate the safety of a standardized, evidence-based Patient Blood management concept.