The FDA last month cleared for marketing the first RFID-enabled solution to improve the safety and efficiency of the nation’s blood supply. Developed in collaboration among the University of Wisconsin¬–Madison RFID Lab, the Blood Center of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee-based manufacturer SysLogic Inc., iTrace for Blood Centers uses RFID tags to automatically identify, reconcile and track blood products. “The iTrace for Blood Centers device has the ability to enhance blood safety by helping to ensure that unsuitable units are not released,” said Karen Midthun, MD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “iTrace for Blood Centers will be used in blood establishments by trained personnel as a tool in streamlining blood collection and processing and aiding in product tracking and reconciliation.” The iTrace for Blood Centers software is now available for use in the nation’s blood centers, with eventual plans to employ in hospitals with further FDA approvals.
