The development and evaluation of options for improving future UK blood component labelling - outcome of the 2013 UK hospital survey

• Published in: Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England) England), 2014-04, Vol.24 (2), p.89-98
• Main Authors: Nightingale, M. J., Brazier, A. M., McArthur, K., Jones, J., Cardigan, R., Lodge, L., MacLennan, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: barcode; blood; Blood Component Transfusion; component; Data Collection; Female; Hospitals; Humans; information; label; Male; Product Labeling; technology; United Kingdom
• ISSN: 0958-7578; 1365-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/tme.12098

SUMMARY Background/Objectives UK blood component labels have evolved to accommodate a plethora of information. Concern has, however, been expressed that current UK labelling is too ‘cluttered’, detracting from the clarity of critical information. This prompted a holistic review of labelling and available information technology (IT) with the aim of improving the situation. Methods/Materials A survey was circulated requiring UK hospital participants to rank each item of information on the label according to its ‘criticality’ and assess three novel ‘future’ and one ‘transition’ prototype labels. Prototypes were based on applicable regulatory standards, best practice guidance, international benchmark data and UK expert input. The prototypes support steps towards ‘full face’ label printing and utilise 2D and quick response (QR) barcodes. Results Two‐hundred eleven completed surveys were received identifying 110 contributing hospitals with 41% from clinical staff, 37% from transfusion laboratory staff and 22% from transfusion practitioners. There was excellent agreement between the three groups on the critical information, i.e. blood group, expiry date, blood component name, unique donation identification number (DIN) and blood component volume but far less on the other information, especially the various warning messages. Of the ‘future’ labels, option 3 (closest to the current ‘quadrant model’) was most popular. Option 1, with its additional inverted section replicating critical information was least popular and prompted significant safety concerns. Conclusion The prototype labels correctly identified the critical items of information and extensive comments confirmed that this was more prominently and clearly displayed. Laboratory staff commented that the transition label was essential to enable IT systems to be adapted.