PROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL NOISE COMPARING SEMI-AUTOMATED AND FULLY-AUTOMATED WHOLE BLOOD PROCESSING SYSTEMS IN A COLOMBIAN BLOOD BANK CENTER
Author(s)
Nil Comasòlivas, MSc, MD1, Angela Soto, Microbiology2, Gloria Eugenia Barco Atehortúa, Biochemistry3, Jorge Hernando Donado Gomez, MD3, Juan Carlos Calderón, MD2, Sergio Jaramillo Velásquez, MD3;
1Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Head of Market Access and Health Economics, Zaventem, Belgium, 2Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Bogotá, Colombia, 3Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia
1Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Head of Market Access and Health Economics, Zaventem, Belgium, 2Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Bogotá, Colombia, 3Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this occupational noise study is to measure and compare noise levels generated by Semi-Automated (SA) versus Fully-Automated (FA) whole blood processing systems while maintaining the same operators, protocols and operational workflow at Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank Center (HPTUBBC).
METHODS: Occupational noise levels were recorded every minute with the sound level analyzer SL-5868-P during 11 complete whole blood processing cycles for each SA and FA system, yielding three blood components: Red Blood Cell Concentrate; Plasma Unit; Platelet concentrate.SA measurements covered pre‑load, start, braking, stop, and post‑load stages of two centrifugations, performed with Presvac®’s DP-2065-R+ centrifuge, required for one cycle.FA measurements covered pre‑load, processing, and post‑load stages of one centrifugation, performed with Terumo BCT®’s Reveos® automated system, required for one cycle.
RESULTS: 720 measurements were obtained in total.SA (1st centrifugation): 291 measurements with the following segments: 68≤ 65dB; 171= 65-80dB; 42= 80-85dB; 10≥ 85dB.
Noise range: 60.4-89.3dB. Noise average: 71.54 ±7.19dB. Average duration: 27 ±1.2min.SA (2nd centrifugation): 187 measurements with the following segments: 112≤ 65dB; 75= 65-80dB; 0≥ 80dB.
Noise range: 52.2-78.8dB. Noise average: 64.93 ±3.77dB. Average duration: 17 ±1.8min.FA: 242 measurements with the following segments:
106≤ 65dB; 134= 65-80dB; 2= 80-85dB; 0≥ 85dB.
Noise range: 59.1-82.4dB. Noise average: 66.37 ±3.61dB. Average duration: 22 ±0.5min.Noise peaks exceeding 85dB were only recorded with SA.
Table 1 summarizes the results.
CONCLUSIONS: FA produced lower noise levels and processing times compared to SA, whose noise peaks surpassed the 85 dB occupational limit, suggesting higher potential for operator discomfort and/or hearing risk.FA improvements favor a safer and more comfortable working environment. Moreover, reducing occupational noise and manual handling may lower operator fatigue and improve workflow during routine operations.Overall, the findings position FA as the system to enhance operator health, well‑being and blood bank operational efficiencies.
METHODS: Occupational noise levels were recorded every minute with the sound level analyzer SL-5868-P during 11 complete whole blood processing cycles for each SA and FA system, yielding three blood components: Red Blood Cell Concentrate; Plasma Unit; Platelet concentrate.SA measurements covered pre‑load, start, braking, stop, and post‑load stages of two centrifugations, performed with Presvac®’s DP-2065-R+ centrifuge, required for one cycle.FA measurements covered pre‑load, processing, and post‑load stages of one centrifugation, performed with Terumo BCT®’s Reveos® automated system, required for one cycle.
RESULTS: 720 measurements were obtained in total.SA (1st centrifugation): 291 measurements with the following segments: 68≤ 65dB; 171= 65-80dB; 42= 80-85dB; 10≥ 85dB.
Noise range: 60.4-89.3dB. Noise average: 71.54 ±7.19dB. Average duration: 27 ±1.2min.SA (2nd centrifugation): 187 measurements with the following segments: 112≤ 65dB; 75= 65-80dB; 0≥ 80dB.
Noise range: 52.2-78.8dB. Noise average: 64.93 ±3.77dB. Average duration: 17 ±1.8min.FA: 242 measurements with the following segments:
106≤ 65dB; 134= 65-80dB; 2= 80-85dB; 0≥ 85dB.
Noise range: 59.1-82.4dB. Noise average: 66.37 ±3.61dB. Average duration: 22 ±0.5min.Noise peaks exceeding 85dB were only recorded with SA.
Table 1 summarizes the results.
CONCLUSIONS: FA produced lower noise levels and processing times compared to SA, whose noise peaks surpassed the 85 dB occupational limit, suggesting higher potential for operator discomfort and/or hearing risk.FA improvements favor a safer and more comfortable working environment. Moreover, reducing occupational noise and manual handling may lower operator fatigue and improve workflow during routine operations.Overall, the findings position FA as the system to enhance operator health, well‑being and blood bank operational efficiencies.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-05, ISPOR 2026, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue S6
Code
MT17
Topic
Medical Technologies
Disease
SDC: Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin), STA: Multiple/Other Specialized Treatments