Computerized systems used in blood banks, providing clinical and administrative information. These data management information systems process blood bank information, including blood donor status, cross-match results, blood logistic management system, etc., using specialized software.
1. Many software features can be used with blood bank information systems; each facility should select the combination of features based on the intended use of the system in the facility.
2. These systems should offer some basic features, including transfusion and donor functions, autologous unit tracking, cross match results, and other features to facilitate the running of a blood bank. Additional features should be considered based on specific needs.
3. Information systems should offer methods for system security, such as password protection. They should be HL7 compliant. If the facility has an existing information system, interfaces to it are necessary. This feature is needed even if the facility is purchasing a stand-alone BBIS and considering an LIS or HIS in the future.
4. Facilities should also look into the backup features and storage media provided by the systems. At minimum, storage onto a hard disk with RAID and/or an optical disk should be available.
5. To increase database integrity and help prevent data loss, automatic backups and transaction logging are recommended.
6. Before buying a system, facilities should first carefully evaluate their current operating process. Automation will not necessarily resolve inefficiencies if there are any. They should then define the objectives and functional requirements for the system and submit a request for proposal to suppliers.
7. Buyers need to carefully examine current costs against the estimated reduction.
8. Only systems that meet the needs of all the users in the facility should be considered.
Before you purchase your Blood Bank Information System, we recommend you ask the seller the following questions:
General
Software
Blood bank refrigerators with temperature control and safety features for accurate temperature maintenance, for storage of whole blood, blood components, and reagents.
1. The most important factors to consider when looking at these blood-bank refrigerator systems are temperature and temperature-alarm systems.
2. Doors of these laboratory refrigerator units should be made of thermal or multi-pane glass with heated wires to reduce condensation.
3. A temperature monitoring system should come with the blood-bank refrigerator, and it should consist of at least one temperature sensor and an integral recorder. A more desirable configuration is two sensors and a combination of remote and integral recorders.
4. An audible, on-unit alarm for temperature, low battery, and power failure should be provided by the laboratory refrigerator unit. Audible remote alarms are desirable as well as power and refrigeration back-up systems.
5. Storage space is another issue to consider when buying these systems. Facilities should determine how much storage space is needed and whether the temperature-alarm system is included with the laboratory refrigerator or sold separately. A remote alarm system may be desirable.
6. Regarding configuration, facilities must choose between blood-bank refrigerator units with refrigeration systems incorporated into their base or separate refrigeration systems that can be installed on top of the unit or placed remotely.
7. Base-mounted laboratory refrigerator units require more frequent cleaning because of floor dust and dirt. Some laboratory refrigerators have key locks on the doors to restrict access to certain types of blood products. Some units have both a refrigerator and a freezer
Before you purchase your Blood-Bank Refrigerator, we recommend you ask the seller the following questions:
General
Software installed? (Name + Version)
General Condition