Cost effectiveness of use of frozen blood to alleviate blood shortages

Human blood shortages are a perennial problem because of the relatively short life span (21 days) of stored blood and the traditional shortage periods during summer vacation months and other vacation periods. This study evaluates the use of frozen blood during these traditional shortage periods. An empirically-based simulation model is used. During periods of excess supply surplus blood is frozen and during shortage periods frozen blood is thawed and used as a substitute for stored blood. The results of the study indicate that the use of frozen blood during shortage periods alleviates shortages but at a high cost. Improved blood collection scheduling management and promotion will attain the same results at a lower cost.