[caption id="attachment_16485" align="alignleft" width="300"] Monica Boyce
Guest Columnist[/caption]

Innovation in the blood banking industry reached another new height on Dec. 1, when the Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) began processing donor blood samples on a new high-speed automated track.

Blood Bank of Delmarva is the first blood bank in the country to use this technology in a donor-testing environment. In August, BBD was the second blood bank in the country to implement the INTERCEPT blood system for pathogen reduction in platelet products. The INTERCEPT blood system closely aligns with BBD's vision of being a Best in Class Blood Bank and Community Partner. Offering pathogen-reduced platelets to the hospitals BBD serves is a major milestone of their ongoing focus on innovation that supports patient well-being. The expansion of BBD's testing capabilities positions the organization to become a more robust testing facility.

BBD began the process of implementing an automated track in March 2014 to substantially enhance its infectious-disease testing business. "The increased capacity and efficiency strongly positions our organization to attract and serve additional and larger clients," states Roy Roper, president and chief executive officer of BBD.

Additionally, by eliminating manual staff processes and reducing paper documentation, BBD will save more on costs. The modular nature of the track system also provides flexibility in adding additional instrumentation in the future to further expand testing capabilities and improve efficiency. "With the implementation of the automated track, BBD is better able to deliver testing results more efficiently, timely and cost competitively as we grow our testing laboratory," states Chris Nare, lead executive of Laboratory Services and Hospital Services at BBD.

The Blood Bank has evolved its testing capabilities and services throughout the past year. "Growth and scalability were primary concerns in evaluating and ultimately deciding to install the track system. We have the capability to quickly accommodate new customers and better serve current customers, both of which support our long-term strategy,'' Roper said.

BBD has come a long way on its transformation journey. From its beginning over 60 years ago as small blood bank servicing the local community, and specifically over the past few years, BBD has become a leading organization helping to shape the industry's future. BBD's ability to implement new technology such as the high-speed automated track demonstrates the organization's tenacity and resilience throughout the challenging times facing the blood banking industry. 

In her role as Change Communications and Project Manager, Monica E. Boyce, Ed. D., is responsible for developing and implementing the internal and external engagement and communication strategy to increase the community and employees' connection to BBD's mission.