An overview of a hierarchy of planning models for Regional Blood Bank Management.

Optimal regionalization of a blood banking system requires a hierarchical structure based on an analysis of preexisting elements in the region to determine at what level of activity economics of scale, cost effectiveness and efficiency will be greatest. We have applied operations research techniques to segments of the blood service complex. This paper is an overview of the general results of this research. From analysis of the data in each segment, a mathematical response function is developed for such managerial processes as demand forecasting, requirements computation, crossmatch and recycle control at each level of the hierarchy in a regional system. These processes in independent hospital blood banks are contrasted with those in hospital blood banks and transfusion services which are dependent on central blood banks for their supply. An example is presented of a model which is useful in the planning of a regional system. Implementation of these hierarchical models in hospital blood banks can reduce outdating, size of inventories and shortage. In central blood banks, these models can minimize shipment quantities, determine optimal transshipments and the most efficient routing.