Management Policies for a Regional Blood Bank

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Abstract
This paper considers management strategies for the administration of a regional blood bank. The techniques of management science and mathematical inventory theory are applied to construct a model for the system, identify policy areas, and formulate management objectives. Two simulation models and data collected from both a regional and single hospital blood bank are used in the analysis. The results presented examine the interactions and savings associated with following optimal ordering, crossmatch, and issuing policies. Since each of these policies have an important effect on the number of shortages and outdates, they therefore influence optimal blood bank management. In addition, the question of centralized versus decentralized control is examined.