Lincolnshire hospitals use chip and pin to track blood
Lincolnshire hospitals are to introduce a chip and pin scheme to track blood needed for transfusions.
It is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK and health managers said it will ensure the right blood goes to the right patient every time.
The technology will track the movement of blood products from arrival at the hospital until the blood is transfused to the patient.
The system will be brought in to United Lincolnshire Hospitals in January 2011.
Senior manager Paul Hogg said: "We feel that this is a significant development for our patients, as it will modernise our transfusion practices and will enhance patient safety, as there will be a full audit trail of all blood products given to patients.
"The system minimises the chance of errors occurring once the blood has left the laboratory."