Patent ID: 7490766
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: G16H

Abstract:
1. A method for recording an audit trail for a blood transfusion, said method comprising the steps of: (a) allocating from a supply of blood, a blood transfusion unit for a patient wherein the blood transfusion unit is marked with an identifying code; (b) labeling the blood transfusion unit with a compatibility level having patient identification information and said blood transfusion unit identifying code; (c) generating a blood request form for the patient, the blood request including patient identification information; (d) placing the blood unit in a secured location for collection by a person authorized to collect said blood transfusion unit; (e) recording on the blood request form for said patient (i) identification information for said authorized person collecting said blood transfusion unit, (ii) the time of collection, and (iii) the patient identification information; (f) providing the patient with a wristband having patient identification information; (g) recording identification information for the person performing a blood transfusion for said patient; (h) recording the patient identification information on the patient wristband; (i) recording the patient identification information on the compatibility label; (j) recording the blood unit identification code on the compatibility label; (k) recording the blood unit identification code on the blood unit; (l) comparing the patient identification information on the patient wristband with the patient identification information on the compatibility label, and recording the results of the comparison; (m) comparing the blood unit identification code on the compatibility label and the blood unit identification code on the blood unit and recording the result of the comparison; (n) recording the time at which the blood unit is transfused; (o) comparing the time of transfusion to the time the blood unit was collected from the secured location and calculating the time elapsed between the time of transfusion and the time of collection from said secured location; and (p) providing a warning if the elapsed time is greater than a pre-set limit.