OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze and review multiple control units’ quality parameters from Colsanitas Blood Bank Center (BBC) and perform a value stream mapping of the whole blood processing system using its semi-automated, buffy coat method.

METHODS: We analyzed 12 parameters from Colsanitas BBC control units from years 2018 to 2021. We also performed a value stream mapping of the whole blood processing system, listing and timing all operator manual interventions, as well as assessing current productivity bottlenecks. In addition, we analyzed the feasibility of Colsanitas BBC to increase its monthly whole blood processing cycles with its current semi-automated method. Visual charts were developed to portray the outcomes.

RESULTS: Between 2018 to 2021, quality parameters from 717 control units from Colsanitas BBC, processed with the semi-automated, buffy coat method, were analyzed. The averages from whole blood units’ parameters were: volume (464±6,7ml); hematocrit (45,5±5%); leukocytes (3,4±1,5×10⁹/L); platelets (128,7±27,4×10⁹/L). The averages from red cell concentrates’ parameters were: volume (278,2±25,1ml); hematocrit (56,3±6,7%); leukocytes (0,33±0,25×10⁹/L); platelets (1,34±2,13×10⁹/L). The average volume from plasma units was 197,2±20,9ml. The averages from platelet units’ parameters were: volume (61±4,9ml); leukocytes (0,023±0,05×10⁹/L); platelets (76,5±21,7×10⁹/L). From the value stream mapping, 57 operator manual interventions were registered and timed. Productivity bottlenecks were found related to room space, daily delivery schedule of whole blood units, quantity of manual interventions and required operators, operator training and experience, and type of whole blood processing system.

CONCLUSIONS: Quality parameters from control units processed in Colsanitas BBC have maintained similar levels from 2018 to 2021 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.