System and method for blood component supply chain management

US10872307B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fenwal, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kathleen Mickles · Lake Zurich, US
• Dale Meixelsperger · Gurnee, US
• Brent Paul · Libertyville, US
• Todd Lewis · Cohocton, US
• Christopher Bryan Trussell · Wills Point, US
• Adam Bryan · Chicago, US
• Dean Gregory · Northbrook, US
• Bill Cork · Lake Zurich, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 27, 2013
• Grant date: Dec 22, 2020
• Expiry date: Dec 8, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G16H40/20
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing inventories of blood components are disclosed. Such systems and methods are configured to improve the predictability, efficiency, and/or automation of blood component supply chains. Tools are provided for tracking blood component inventories, forecasting blood component demand, and coordinating donations to meet current and anticipated demand. Some embodiments of the systems and methods identify when blood component units at a health care facility are beginning to run low or are approaching expiration, before the need for additional units becomes critical. Some embodiments of the systems and methods coordinate new donations and modify existing scheduled donations to meet real-time and forecasted demand for blood components.