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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
10:25
Microfluidic Flow Chambers Using Reconstituted Blood to Model Hemostasis and Platelet Transfusion In Vitro
Published on: March 19, 2016
Platelet pool inventory management: theory meets practice.
Wim de Kort1, Michiel Janssen, Nikky Kortbeek
1Sanquin Blood Supply, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. w.dekort@sanquin.nl
Transfusion
|May 28, 2011
Summary
Inventory management for platelet concentrates (PCs) was optimized using a theoretical approach, significantly reducing waste and extending shelf life. This data-driven method improved blood bank operations and reduced shortages.
Area of Science:
- Operations Research
- Blood Banking
- Inventory Management
Background:
- Platelet concentrates (PCs) have a short shelf life, leading to challenges with variable demand, shortages, and outdating.
- Current inventory management relies on experience-based rules, which are often suboptimal.
- There is a preference for younger PCs, necessitating strategies to extend their usable time (Time Till Outdating - TTO).
Purpose of the Study:
- To minimize outdating and shortages of platelet concentrates.
- To extend the Time Till Outdating (TTO) for platelet concentrates.
- To evaluate a theoretical approach for optimizing PC inventory management.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a combined approach of stochastic dynamic programming and simulation (SDP/S) techniques.
- Developed and utilized specialized software: thrombocyte inventory management optimizer (TIMO).
- Calculated an optimal order-up-to rule based on historical data and applied it to inventory management.
Main Results:
- Achieved a significant reduction in the median weekly outdating percentage to less than 1%.
- Increased the Time Till Outdating (TTO) by an average of 0.48 days.
- Gained personnel confidence in adopting the theoretical approach and TIMO software due to demonstrated improvements.
Conclusions:
- Theoretical approaches, like SDP/S, can substantially improve blood bank PC inventory management.
- The implemented system led to significant reductions in outdating and shortages.
- Adoption of the theoretical model resulted in more structured, less reactive inventory management.
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