Using barcode scanning technology to improve blood group testing in unborn babies

Summary

In this blog for World Patient Safety Day, the NHS Blood and Transfusion (NHSBT) and the Scan4Safety Team in the NHS England National Patient Safety Team explore how barcode scanning technology has improved testing for the D blood group in unborn babies. This technology has made the process more efficient, reduced errors and improved patient experience.

This blog has been published as part of a series for World Patient Safety Day 2024 and the theme of Improving diagnosis for patient safety. #WPSD24, World Patient Safety Day 2024, WPSD 2024.

Content

The importance of D blood group testing

The D blood group tests help prevent haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN), a serious condition that can cause anaemia, jaundice, brain damage or, in extreme cases, death.

HDFN occurs when a mother’s blood group is incompatible with her baby’s. If a D-negative mother is carrying a D-positive baby, the mother’s immune system may produce antibodies that attack the baby’s red blood cells, leading to life-threatening conditions.

To prevent this, anti-D immunoglobulin (anti-D Ig) is given to D negative mothers during pregnancy. However, this treatment is only necessary if the baby is D-positive. The only way to determine the unborn baby’s D blood group is through testing.

How D blood group testing works

The baby’s blood group is determined by analysing its DNA, a small amount of which is present in the mother’s blood. A blood sample is taken from the mother and sent to NHSBT’s Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory in Bristol for testing. Results had previously been available within 10 working days to help clinicians decide if anti-D Ig is needed.

The role of barcode scanning in enhancing accuracy

Traditionally, the requesting process relied on manual, paper-based systems, which were prone to errors. Mistakes in filling out forms or entering data could lead to delays, incorrect results, and even the need for re-tests, causing stress to expectant mothers.

Recognising the limitations of manual systems, NHSBT has piloted the introduction of barcode scanning technology. This has significantly improved accuracy, efficiency and patient safety through the following:

1. Accurate sample identification: Each blood sample is assigned a unique barcode linked to the mother’s medical record. This ensures the sample is accurately identified throughout the testing process. From the moment the sample is collected to when it is processed in the lab, the barcode is scanned at every stage, reducing the risk of misidentification or human error.
2. Seamless data transfer: Barcodes allow accurate transfer from the hospital to the lab. When the sample arrives at the Bristol lab, staff simply scan the barcode and all the necessary information is automatically pulled from the hospital’s system. This eliminates manual data entry and prevents transcription errors, ensuring that testing can process without unnecessary delays.
3. Faster workflow: Integrating barcode scanning with electronic systems has streamlined the entire process. Laboratory staff no longer need to fill out paper forms or manually enter data, saving time and allowing quicker processing. Results are returned faster, reducing turnaround times from 10 days to as little as 3 days.
4. Improved patient experience: Rejected samples and delays due to errors in the manual process can cause stress and anxiety for patients. Barcode scanning reduces the number of re-tests, meaning fewer mothers need to provide another blood sample. This improves the overall patient experience by ensuring timely and accurate care.

A patient-centred approach

Anna Mamwell, patient and public involvement lead for the Transfusion 2024 programme, highlighted the importance to patients of using this technology:

“It's important that the concerns of patients are acknowledged and addressed, with quality and safety high on that list. As a patient representative, I welcome and encourage the E requesting and reporting system. This will not only improve the patient experience but contribute to providing a safe, efficient and trustworthy service which is essential to the health and wellbeing of patients and their unborn baby.”

The future of barcode scanning in healthcare

NHSBT is working to expand electronic requesting and reporting to all hospitals across England, aiming to use it for all pathology tests. This shift is a crucial step towards improving healthcare delivery, patient safety, and maternal care.

Scan4Safety’s role

Scan4Safety is focused on the implementation of end-to-end barcode scanning technology across the NHS. This technology enhances patient safety through accurate point-of-care scanning and reducing errors in data entry and documentation.  

The use of barcode scanning in foetal D blood group testing by NHSBT showcases how innovative technology can transform patient care. This use of barcode scanning is making a significant positive impact in maternity services by minimising errors, speeding up test results and improving operational efficiency.

The photo at the top of the page is Helen Thom, RCI Development Lead – Transfusion 2024, Clinical Services, NHS Blood & Transplant.

This blog has been published as part of a series for World Patient Safety Day 2024 and the theme of Improving diagnosis for patient safety. #WPSD24, World Patient Safety Day 2024, WPSD 2024.