title: The development and evaluation of options for improving future U.K. blood component labelling--outcome of the 2013 U.K. hospital survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  U.K. blood component labels have evolved to accommodate a plethora of information. Concern has, however, been expressed that current U.K. labelling is too 'cluttered', detracting from the clarity of critical information. This prompted a holistic review of labelling and available information technology (IT) with the aim of improving the situation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey was circulated requiring U.K. hospital participants to rank each item of information on the label according to its 'criticality' and assess three novel 'future' and one 'transition' prototype labels. Prototypes were based on applicable regulatory standards, best practice guidance, international benchmark data and U.K. expert input. The prototypes support steps towards 'full face' label printing and utilise 2D and quick response (QR) barcodes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two-hundred eleven completed surveys were received identifying 110 contributing hospitals with 41% from clinical staff, 37% from transfusion laboratory staff and 22% from transfusion practitioners. There was excellent agreement between the three groups on the critical information, i.e., blood group, expiry date, blood component name, unique donation identification number (DIN) and blood component volume but far less on the other information, especially the various warning messages. Of the 'future' labels, option 3 (closest to the current 'quadrant model') was most popular. Option 1, with its additional inverted section replicating critical information was least popular and prompted significant safety concerns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prototype labels correctly identified the critical items of information and extensive comments confirmed that this was more prominently and clearly displayed. Laboratory staff commented that the transition label was essential to enable IT systems to be adapted.
authors.affiliation: Quality Assurance Department, NHS Blood and Transplant, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Nightingale
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Brazier
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McArthur
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cardigan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lodge
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maclennan
mesh_terms: D016913:Blood Component Transfusion; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011356:Product Labeling; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: barcode; blood; component; information; label; technology