AM24-SN-10-O: Point-of-care Transfusion Services With Remote, "Smart" Refrigerators Can Alleviate Laboratory Staffing Emergencies (Enduring)

In 2024, blood bank technologist shortages continue to challenge our field. One obvious, but often overlooked, solution is to deploy cutting-edge technology to supplement personnel. This session will focus on automated inventory management, remote blood storage, and unique applications of sophisticated software to issue routine and emergency blood safely and efficiently from remote refrigerators in the following adult and pediatric settings: 1) Infusion Center (outpatient setting); 2) Labor and Delivery; 3) Intensive Care Units; and 4) Surgical Suites. Remote issue of the following blood components and derivatives will be discussed: 1) RBCs; 2) Plasma; 3) Platelets; 4) Cryoprecipitate; 5) Fibrinogen Concentrate; and 6) RhIG. By focusing on real-world examples, the session will emphasize benefits and obstacles to remotely issuing products, including strengths and limitations of the current hardware and software that are commercially available. Strategies for implementation, training, and communication with clinical colleagues will also be discussed.