During the last decade, the varying use and the lack of consistent indications for blood transfusions have been questioned. Comparisons of liberal and restrictive transfusion policies, most often support a restrictive policy. This has led to an evidence-based approach to optimizing the care of patients who might need transfusion, Patient Blood Management (PBM). There is evidence that both anemia and allogeneic blood transfusions are independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In elective surgery it is possible to adapt the three pillars of PBM in a structured way; i.e. optimization of red blood cell mass, reduction of blood loss and bleeding, and optimization of the patient's physiological tolerance towards anemia. These activities should be included in the pre-peri- and postoperative routines, in all surgical units.