Optimizing Blood Bank Operations: A Centralized System for Enhanced Transfusion Services in Rwanda’s Healthcare


Authors : Tunezerwe Emmanuel; Dr. Wilson Musoni

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/avytc6tw

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/55bv8u9d

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14724965

Abstract : This study presents a unified blood bank management system designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of blood distribution services in Rwanda, with a focus on the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). The system addresses key challenges, including inconsistent blood supply, inefficient inventory management, and irregular blood donation campaigns. One of the system’s key features is enabling voluntary blood donors, particularly those near district and referral hospitals, to donate regularly without relying on sporadic donation campaigns. The system makes it easier for donors to schedule appointments at their nearest hospital, eliminating the need for donors to wait for irregular blood donation campaigns or travel long distances. For individuals who may live or work far from donation sites, the system reduces barriers such as transportation costs, time constraints, and work-related permissions. With a presence in all 30 districts of Rwanda and four referral hospitals, the system allows each district to function as a user linked to its corresponding district hospital. The system provides real-time updates whenever blood is donated or used for transfusion, ensuring accurate tracking of blood availability. In case of shortages, the system facilitates inter-hospital blood transfer, ensuring that critical blood types are shared between hospitals as needed. Users can also request blood from other hospitals, and once a request is accepted, the system automatically triggers the blood transfer. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS, STATA, and R, demonstrates significant improvements in blood supply, transfusion safety, and operational efficiency. This unified system provides a scalable solution for optimizing blood management, benefiting Rwanda and other similar healthcare settings

References :

  1. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). (2023). Blood Transfusion Division (BTD) e-Progesa and quality data indicators 2023. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
  2. RBC/BTD. (2023). Annual Blood Collection Plan (ABCP) 2023. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.
  3. RBC/BTD. (2023). Blood Donation Trends: 2023 vs 2022 Comparison. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.
  4. RBC/BTD. (2023). Blood Donation by Gender and Blood Group in 2023. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.
  5. RBC/BTD. (2023). Blood Collection Sites in Rwanda: Annual Performance Indicators. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.
  6. RBC/BTD. (2023). Analysis of Blood Donor Representatives (BDRs) in 2023. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.
  7. RBC/BTD. (2023). Regularity of Blood Donations in Rwanda: New, Irregular, and Regular Blood Donors in 2023. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.
  8. RBC/BTD. (2023). Blood Donor Demographics by Age Group in 2023. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.
  9. RBC/BTD. (2023). Apheresis Technology Use in Blood Collection: 2023 Report. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.

10.RBC/BTD. (2023). Blood Units Collected and Donated in 2023 by Region and Blood Type. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Blood Transfusion Division.

This study presents a unified blood bank management system designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of blood distribution services in Rwanda, with a focus on the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). The system addresses key challenges, including inconsistent blood supply, inefficient inventory management, and irregular blood donation campaigns. One of the system’s key features is enabling voluntary blood donors, particularly those near district and referral hospitals, to donate regularly without relying on sporadic donation campaigns. The system makes it easier for donors to schedule appointments at their nearest hospital, eliminating the need for donors to wait for irregular blood donation campaigns or travel long distances. For individuals who may live or work far from donation sites, the system reduces barriers such as transportation costs, time constraints, and work-related permissions. With a presence in all 30 districts of Rwanda and four referral hospitals, the system allows each district to function as a user linked to its corresponding district hospital. The system provides real-time updates whenever blood is donated or used for transfusion, ensuring accurate tracking of blood availability. In case of shortages, the system facilitates inter-hospital blood transfer, ensuring that critical blood types are shared between hospitals as needed. Users can also request blood from other hospitals, and once a request is accepted, the system automatically triggers the blood transfer. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS, STATA, and R, demonstrates significant improvements in blood supply, transfusion safety, and operational efficiency. This unified system provides a scalable solution for optimizing blood management, benefiting Rwanda and other similar healthcare settings

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