Automated donor-recipient identification systems as a means of reducing human error in blood transfusion

Clerical and administrative errors are the most common mistakes in blood banking, with errors of sample or patient identification accounting for the majority of mistakes. In an effort to reduce the incidence of human errors, three automated donor-recipient identification systems were developed and were evaluated under clinical conditions. After two years of development and bench testing, each set of equipment was tested, along with established procedures, at a large clinical center, a medium-sized community hospital and a regional donor center. Although none of the systems, as tested, proved acceptable under clinical conditions, a great deal was learned about prototype equipment testing in the clinical setting. Future development of identification systems for clinical use should respond to carefully defined problems, apply in all areas of the hospital or donor center, and be convenient and reliable. The development of the equipment should involve established manufacturers and be subject to exacting preclinical testing.