Virtual blood bank

Abstract

Virtual blood bank is the computer-controlled, electronically linked information management system that allows online ordering and real-time, remote delivery of blood for transfusion. It connects the site of testing to the point of care at a remote site in a real-time fashion with networked computers thus maintaining the integrity of immunohematology test results. It has taken the advantages of information and communication technologies to ensure the accuracy of patient, specimen and blood component identification and to enhance personnel traceability and system security. The built-in logics and process constraints in the design of the virtual blood bank can guide the selection of appropriate blood and minimize transfusion risk. The quality of blood inventory is ascertained and monitored, and an audit trail for critical procedures in the transfusion process is provided by the paperless system. Thus, the virtual blood bank can help ensure that the right patient receives the right amount of the right blood component at the right time.

Informing the State of Process Modeling and Automation of Blood Banking and Transfusion Services Through a Systematic Mapping Study

“…For example: The registration of specimens and printing tags for blood samples are activities of the blood donation process are yet to be fully automated. 26 The process of blood processing, including automatic activities such as group typing, subgroup typing, antibody screening, cross-matching, results entry, results reporting, and sending screening results from the laboratory to the blood bank, is yet to be fully automated. 18 , 19 , 26 , 28 , 29 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 39 The process of blood storage is commonly discussed in the literature, especially the automation of controlling the availability of blood units, checking the site of storage, and controlling the temperature of refrigerators.…”

“… 18 , 19 , 26 , 28 , 29 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 39 The process of blood storage is commonly discussed in the literature, especially the automation of controlling the availability of blood units, checking the site of storage, and controlling the temperature of refrigerators. 26 , 35 The process of blood transfusion automation has also been discussed in the literature. This has been achieved by automating the entry and inquiry of electronic test orders, reading the identity of patients from their wristbands, verifying the matching of patient identity with the prescribed blood product, and calculating the number of ordered units.…”

“…This has been achieved by automating the entry and inquiry of electronic test orders, reading the identity of patients from their wristbands, verifying the matching of patient identity with the prescribed blood product, and calculating the number of ordered units. 26 , 30 , 36 The last BB&T process that has been automated is the administrative process that includes tracking, workflow management, control of workstation quality, and real-time monitoring. 26 , 36 …”

“… 26 , 30 , 36 The last BB&T process that has been automated is the administrative process that includes tracking, workflow management, control of workstation quality, and real-time monitoring. 26 , 36 …”

Using information technology to eliminate wrong blood transfusions

“…first described the remote electronic blood release system . Similar reports followed describing self‐service, on‐demand release of computer cross‐match‐compatible red cells at remote location through connecting the system to the blood bank LIS . Also called ‘virtual blood bank’, such system can extend the issuing of computer cross‐match‐compatible blood to the point of care and has been proven to be safe.…”