Patients in Italy’s Marche region now receive safer, quicker blood donations thanks to an EU-funded project that brought together tech companies, medical experts, researchers, and local authorities. The BOSET project also developed several devices that use sensors and other digital technologies to ensure that donated blood is transported and stored in optimal conditions.
- 26 January 2021
'This project was necessary to compensate for missing or incomplete information when monitoring blood bag transfers from the moment of donation to the moment of transfusion.'
Blood transfusions are used to replace lost blood or components of the blood, such as blood cells and plasma. Storing donated blood properly ensures that a suitable supply is always available.
However, poor conservation of blood is a common reason for blood bags having to be destroyed. BOSET partners studied the causes of poor storage and supply issues so it could identify organisational strategies and develop technological devices to streamline the transfusion process.
Smart devices
The project looked to address several challenges. Blood and blood components must adhere to the same quality standards as any other pharmaceutical or medical products. It must be traceable from donor to patient. Refrigeration and conservation are among the most energy-intensive periods of the blood supply chain.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected the final stages of the project, several products were successfully developed and tested in hospitals. Three devices were created that contribute to a more efficient and safe supply chain of blood by improving traceability.
A monitoring system was designed that uses a sensor for each blood bag. The sensor monitors the blood temperature, pH value, storage temperature, and humidity around the blood bag. It helps to verify that the correct bag has reached the intended patient.
Cost-effective and versatile
The monitoring system can be used with another device developed within the project: an intelligent refrigeration unit that monitors the available blood bags and any withdrawals in real-time. This system can be integrated into existing refrigerators.
Thirdly, a transport system was developed that helps confirm the delivery of blood bags and monitors the correct storage of the bags during their transport from donor to patient.
These new devices and systems can be used with different volumes of blood and blood components. For instance, ultra-portable systems can transport 3-5 litres, while larger systems can be installed on vehicles, such as an ambulance.
Thanks to the versatility of the new devices and the research undertaken within the project, BOSET contributes to safer blood transfusion across Europe.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “BOSET – BLOOD OPERATIONS SAFE AND EFFICIENT TOOLS” is EUR 2 330 910, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 665 221 through the “ROP Marche ERDF” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.