An ecosystem of interconnected technologies to increase efficiencies in blood establishments: The example of the Blood and Tissue Bank of Aragón, Spain

Abstract

Background and objectives: Blood establishments face environmental, financial, demographic and societal challenges that may impair sustainable blood supply to patients. This study presents the technologies (devices and software) assembled in a global ecosystem implemented by the Blood and Tissue Bank of Aragón (BTBA), Spain, over the last decade to overcome these challenges.

Materials and methods: Descriptive yearly activity data (2013-2023) of BTBA were retrospectively collected to evaluate the impact of different technologies on blood processing efficiency, focusing on the production of blood components (red blood cell concentrates [RCCs], platelet concentrates [PCs]) and plasma. Operator satisfaction about the technologies introduced in daily routine work was also monitored.

Results: Between 2013 and 2023, the annual production decreased by 16.0% for RCCs and increased by 13.3% for PCs. From 2020, all PCs were treated with pathogen reduction technology, and no inventory stock-out was reported. The lowest PC expiry rate (0.2%) was observed after the implementation of the software for blood processing and PC stock management. The deployment of this software also improved plasma recovery: on average, an extra plasma volume of 9 mL was collected per donation in 2023 compared to 2015. A survey confirmed staff satisfaction.

Conclusion: The progressive implementation of automated and software-based solutions was key to increasing efficiencies in BTBA. This enabled the optimization of blood processing by maximizing productivity, enhancing traceability, reducing overproduction and wastage and increasing the yield of recovered plasma, while ensuring blood product safety and staff satisfaction.

Keywords: blood banking improvement; pathogen reduction technology; production algorithm; productivity; traceability; whole‐blood processing.