Blood transfusion safety using a barcode reader system: A systematic review study

Introduction: Manual processes for identifying patients and documenting them before blood transfusion are associated with human and systemic errors. Today, the use of barcode reader systems to speed things up and improve safety is used in most important aspects of life. The aim of this review study was to evaluate the efficiency of barcodereading systems in improving the safety of blood transfusion. Methods: This study was a systematic review. National (Magiran, SID) and international databases (PubMed, Scopus, ISI) were searched using valid keywords from 2000 to October 20, 2020. The most important keywords searched include; Blood transfusion, homovigilance, barcode, , barcode reader. Clinical trial studies, descriptive, analytical or review studies that the use of barcode systems in the blood and components transfusion were reviewed. Studies without access to abstracts and full-text and studies working on prescribing drugs were excluded. literature review, screening, data extraction and data quality appraisal were performed by two researchers separately. Results: In the initial review, 234 articles were found, which after screening for the title and abstract, 27 articles werefinally reviewed. Today, the use of barcode reading systems in prescribing drugs and identifying patients and in transfusing blood is well known. Barcode blood transfusion systems allow nurses to identify the patient and blood components transfusion, accurately, and rapidly, and to ensure that appropriate blood components are administeredto the appropriate patient. The results of a study showed that the error rate after using barcode reader systems decreased from 0.03% per year (2008-2010) to 0.002% in 2016 (P <0.001) and 0.001% in 2017 (P <.001). Among the most important barriers to the use of these tools are equipment and technological, educational and budgetary barriers. Following the use of such systems, blood transfusion errors have decreased rapidly and have been associated with nurses' satisfaction. Conclusion: The design and application of barcode reader systems for transfusion of blood and components,especially for emergencies, is essential, which can reduce possible blood transfusion errors and improve patient safety.

Keywords:

Blood Transfusion , Homovigilance , Barcode , Safety , Barcode Reader