Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Incorrect blood component transfused is a frequent serious incident associated with transfusion and often involves misidentification of the patient and/or the unit of blood. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study extended the evaluation of an electronic system involving bar code technology and handheld computers. Electronic control of collection of blood from blood refrigerators was incorporated into a previously described process for blood sample collection and blood administration. Practice was evaluated before and after its introduction in cardiac surgery. RESULTS: The baseline audits revealed poor practice. Significant improvements were found following the introduction of the electronic system, including from 8 percent to 100 percent in checking that the blood group and unit number on the blood pack matched the compatibility label and the pack was in date (p < or = 0.0001). Similar significant improvements were found in blood sample collection, the collection of blood from blood refrigerators, and the documentation of transfusion. Staff found the system easy to operate and preferred it to standard procedures. CONCLUSIONS: A bar code patient identification system improved transfusion practice, although areas for improvement were identified. These results provide support for further work on the development of such systems for both transfusion and other procedures requiring patient identification.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/j.1537-2995.2006.00729.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Transfusion

Publication Date

03/2006

Volume

46

Pages

352 - 364

Keywords

Blood Group Incompatibility, Blood Grouping and Crossmatching, Blood Transfusion, Electronic Data Processing, Female, Humans, Male, Patient Identification Systems, Quality Assurance, Health Care, Software, Specimen Handling