Selection of blood bag systems by objective evaluation: A scientific approach.

INTRODUCTION: With the advent of different technologies, multiple manufacturers are producing blood bag systems with different salient features. It is important for transfusion services to select a blood bag system with the best features and quality. This requires an objective evaluation with emphasis on the donor and user experience. Based on a validated questionnaire, this study aimed to design a system for the objective evaluation of two or more blood bag systems from different manufacturers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control observational study was conducted over a period of 1 month at a tertiary care center involving regular repeat voluntary whole blood donors, phlebotomists, and technical staff. A questionnaire was designed based on focused study group discussions and was validated. The new blood bag system comprised the case arm (n = 30), while the routinely used blood bag system comprised the control arm (n = 30). Responses were recorded for both arms and analyzed. RESULTS: Needle prick was reported as painful by 83% of study donor population (P < 0.005). Eighty-nine percent of the phlebotomists reported that needle penetration force was more for the novel blood bag system (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The novel blood bag system had certain limitations about the phlebotomy and needle characteristics which may affect the donor and phlebotomist's experience. The blood components did not deviate in quality parameters as per the guidelines of national standard bodies. A similar evaluation of any newly procured reagent and supply item should be done before introduction to the blood transfusion services.