A computer-based frozen blood inventory and information system

A computer-based, time-sharing data processing system was developed to assist in maintaining information regarding units of red blood cells frozen for eventual transfusion. An automated system has been programmed to compile and retrieve data concerning stored units, prepare shipping documents as required, and maintain transfusion records in a retrievable manner for thawed or shipped units. Requests for frozen red blood cells are processed through this system. Units are selected by the computer to meet requirements specified by the operator of a keyboard terminal. These requirements include method of cryopreservation, specific antigenic characteristics required, and the number of units requested. The computer prints out on the keyboard terminal the units meeting the requirements and the keyboard operator then indicates to the computer the name of the requesting facility, if these units are to be shipped. This input initiates a programmed routine that generates a shipping invoice and a new file for these units in a permanent transfusion record which can by acessed by either donor number or the frozen blood cell code.