Siemens Ready to Tag Blood Supplies

January 24, 2007: Siemens says its latest RFID-based technology can make blood transfusions safer by assisting in the comprehensive monitoring of blood donations.

While in an early concept stage at the moment, Siemens says it RFID solution identifies blood via radio chips. Working alongside a number of collaborative partners, Siemens says this technology can virtually eliminate the possibility of blood donation mix-ups.

The technology also works to prevent the unnecessary waste and destruction of blood donations. By equipping chips with a temperature sensor, the system can continuously monitor the cooling chain – an essential process for ensuring blood maintains a usable temperature.

Able to withstand extreme conditions, the RFID chips are affixed to blood bags with a radio-equipped reading device used to identify the donation and measure its temperature. The goal is to ensure that the limited blood supplies donated are able to reach their full potential and assist as many patients as possible.

Siemens says its technology has passed all the required tests, and will be provided to the appropriate authorities to determine its suitability in commercial use once the project is completed.

The system is expected to be ready for use in 2008.

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