Assessment of the Productivity Features and Analysis of the Quality Parameters from the Control Units Processed Using a Semi-Automated, Buffy Coat Method, in a Colombian Blood Bank Center

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study is to assess quality parameters from control units processed using a semi-automated, buffy coat method in LaCardio Blood Bank Center (BBC), and to perform a value stream mapping of this process.

METHODS:

We analyzed 9 parameters from the control units processed in LaCardio BBC from 1^st January 2020 to 30^th September 2022. We also performed a value stream mapping of the processing system, listing and timing all operator manual interventions, as well as assessing current productivity bottlenecks. In addition, we assessed the feasibility for LaCardio BBC to increase its monthly processing cycles with its current semi-automated method. Visual charts were developed to portray the outcomes.

RESULTS:

Between January 1^st 2020 to September 30^th 2021, quality parameters from 671 control units from LaCardio BBC, processed with the semi-automated, buffy coat method, were analyzed. The averages from whole blood units’ parameters were: volume (477,4±8,8ml); leukocytes (2,8±0,7×10⁹/L). The averages from red cell concentrates’ parameters were: volume (298,6±27,7ml); hematocrit (59,5±2,8%); hemoglobin (20,4±1,1g/dl). The average volume from plasma units was 248,3±33,8ml. The averages from platelet units’ parameters were: volume (60,8±5,9ml); leukocytes (0,019±0,013×10⁹/L); platelets (86,5±19,8×10⁹/L). From the value stream mapping, 59 operator manual interventions were registered and timed. Productivity bottlenecks were found related to daily delivery schedule of whole blood units, available room space, quantity of manual interventions and required operators, current software program to register data, operator training and experience, and type of whole blood processing system.

CONCLUSIONS:

Quality parameters from control units processed in LaCardio BBC between January 1^st 2020 to September 30^th 2022 have maintained similar levels and comply with Colombian national guidelines on whole blood products. However, we recommend assessing other whole blood processing systems as its current method requires multiple manual interventions that can lead to errors, limits productivity and scalability, and, due to training requirements, is operator dependent.