For Virginia Blood Services (VBS), automation has become a catalyst for enhancing business processes. The nonprofit organization, which is the sole provider of blood to 21 hospitals, provides the blood for nearly 2/3 of organ transplant patients in Virginia, and is one of the largest volunteer efforts in central Virginia. In fact, nearly 70,000 individuals donated blood with VBS in 2009, making it the largest volunteer effort in the state.

The Challenge
While experiencing expansive growth, VBS quickly recognized the need for an automated Quality Management System (QMS) that could be easily adapted to best suit the organization’s unique business needs. This meant tracking the Quality Control (QC) data on the organization’s Micros 60 Hematology Analyzer Daily QC application. A hematology analyzer is an essential tool in the blood industry, as it examines the various elements in blood, such as quantity of red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin.

VBS realized that a QMS would increase the efficiency of reviewing data, which involves verification of QC entries, detection of discrepancies, and prompt initiation of corrective actions. Previously, daily QCs were performed on location using a manual log, which was not reviewed by the main facility until the end of the month. If major discrepancies were found, the reports could be up to 30 days behind, hindering reaction time and potentially increasing costs. The process also proved to be extremely labor—and paper—intensive.

In addition to their daily QC reports, VBS circulated manuals upon manuals of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training modules, job aids, and similar documents. With all of these circulating throughout its region, the organization needed a way to efficiently manage and track all records.

The decision was made to seek out a fully automated QMS. After comparison with various vendors, EtQ Reliance surfaced to the top and was selected as its automated QMS.

VBS was particularly impressed with EtQ’s flexibility and ease of use, as well as its ability to allow for the use of existing modules, and innovatively implement them.