Analysis of courier needs for platelet concentrate transportation from the blood transfusion unit of the Indonesian Red Cross: perspective of Universitas Indonesia Hospital’s blood bank
Main Article Content
Keywords
Blood Products, Hospital Blood Bank, Platelet Concentrates, Courier Logistics, Transportation Management
Abstract
Background: An unexpected surge in platelet concentrate requests at Universitas Indonesia Hospital during March 2025 created substantial operational challenges for the hospital's blood bank. At the time, the blood bank faced limited courier availability and the absence of a platelet agitator, resulting in increased courier dispatches to retrieve blood components from the Indonesian Red Cross Blood Transfusion Units (UTD PMI). This study aims to analyze the courier needs and to find the optimal timing for the transport of blood products to Universitas Indonesia Hospital
Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted by extracting information from the courier communication group (messenger application) and the official blood product logbook of Universitas Indonesia Hospital Blood Bank for the period of March 2025. Data collected included frequency and timing of courier departures, destinations, and types of blood products transported. To strengthen operational analysis, an additional two-week onsite observations were conducted in April 2025 to identify logistical bottlenecks, evaluate workflow, and perform a structured risk analysis based on problem frequency and potential operational impact.
Results: A total of 38 courier trips were recorded in March 2025, averaging 1.6 trips per day. Most dispatches occurred during 20:00–23:59 and 12:00–15:59, which did not align with the designated courier support schedule for the blood bank. Increased platelet concentrate demand was the primary factor driving transport frequency. Risk analysis highlighted three major concerns: lack of systematic documentation of courier trips, insufficient courier human resources, and unavailability of a platelet agitator, which prevented appropriate storage of platelet components and increased transport dependency.
Conclusion: Corrective actions implemented included reinstating courier trip documentation, recommending time adjustments for courier assignments to better match peak operational needs, and proposing recruitment of additional couriers. Procurement of platelet agitators was also advised to improve storage capacity and reduce transport frequency.
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