Abstract
Background: The use of automated techniques reduces the impact of human errors in blood banking and improves standardization and quality of achieved results. Work processes were analyzed to see where improvements could be made before installing an automated testing instrument. The suitability of automation and data processing in order to reduce the bulk of routine and emergency work was explored. Methods: The evaluation focused on blood group and subgroup typing, cross-matching, and antibody screening using the Ortho AutoVue Innova System compared to standard manual methods. Results: The redesigned layout of the work-space led to a reduction of the operator's working process time of the specimen by 6%, whereas process optimizations resulted in shortening of the operator's working process time by 53%. Using the manual DiaMed system and the automatic AutoVue system, corresponding results were achieved for blood group typing ( 100%), rhesus typing ( 100%), antibody screening ( 100%), and autocontrol ( 87%). For known antibodies from freeze samples this correspondence amounted to 82%. The turnaround time from receipt at blood bank to completion for standard cross- matching, blood typing, and antibody screening is decreased up to 17% using the automatic system due to the standardization and automation of testing. Conclusion: The Ortho AutoVue Innova System facilitates the automation of routine blood bank testing, enrolling blood typing, cross- matching, and antibody screening with high reliability, sensitivity and specificity compared to standard manual methods.