RCID

NHS Blood Transfusion Barcode Reader

Problem

Accidental deaths occur in hospitals caused by transfusion of incorrect blood types. Although double-checking manual systems are in place, mistakes are still being made.

Solution

Senior Clinician, Jonathan Wallis, identified the need for an electronic checking system to eliminate the chances of this error occurring. This would be based around the verification of barcodes on the blood bag label and the patients wristband. The RCID worked with Jonathan, through NHS Innovations North, to help refine his idea into a working concept.

Prototype

The RCID produced a functional prototype capable of demonstrating operational features and interfacing standard available components such as a barcode reader, printer, LCD, battery charger and real-time clock. The microelectronics and PIC microcontroller were initially constructed on a PCB development board to allow hardware and software debugging. When the design was finalised a PCB was manufactured to fit in a specially machined plastic case along with the print head and batteries. The prototype was tested for EMC compliance to allow it to be used, successfully, for clinical trials in hospital.

Production

Circuit diagrams, software code, bill of materials and user manual were supplied to a third party, Newbury Data, selected by NHS Innovations North, to allow them to produce the final product. They were able to rapidly go from our prototype to a production prototype by using the same PIC software, print head, card inlet guide and the majority of components. They simply repackaged the design to fit into a standard case.