System and method for blood component supply chain management

US11755991B2 · 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
• William H. Cork · Lake Bluff, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 21, 2020
• Grant date: Sep 12, 2023
• Expiry date: Dec 21, 2040

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.