Biometric Technology Creates Smoother, More Efficient Experience for Blood Drives

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Sept. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Avion Solutions, Inc. and Hitachi, Ltd., have partnered to develop a biometric system, utilizing 99.9 percent accurate finger-vein technology in place of the more common fingerprint technology, which is only 90 percent accurate.  Finger-vein reading technology provides the ability to positively identify a donor at every stage of the blood draw process.  Currently, donors are shuffled from station to station with paperwork; if two donors have similar names, it is all too easy for their paperwork to be placed with the wrong blood.  With finger vein authentication at each station, this becomes virtually impossible.

While fingerprint readers are a touch-technology dependent on an immaculate print and a clean surface, finger-vein readers are a no-touch technology, using near-infrared light to discern the unique pattern of veins inside a finger.  By essentially guaranteeing positive identification, time is saved during donor check-in and throughout the donation process, fewer blood donations will be lost, and organization is made easier for employees and volunteers.  Increased efficiency will create a more enjoyable experience for all volunteers involved.  With a more fulfilling experience, people will be more willing to return and donate blood, thus resulting in saving more lives.

This technology arose from a need in the blood donation community to guarantee positive identification throughout the donation process, while simultaneously reducing the amount of cumbersome paperwork during a single volunteer’s donation experience.  Through the efforts to ensure the safety of blood recipients, all donated blood is held to FDA high safety standards, including multiple checks before drawing blood from a patient.  The major cost of blood and blood products is the cost of extracting and testing blood donations, and with only approximately 5 percent of the population willing or able to donate blood, one can ill afford to lose any blood due to lack of accountability of its source.

The Red Cross website states that, while the actual blood donation takes only ten to fifteen minutes, the overall process from entrance to exit can take up to five times that long.  The website also states 50 percent of donors are “regular, loyal donors.”  With finger-vein technology assisting in the storage of previous donors’ information, and 50 percent of donors being “regulars,” the paperwork and check-in process can be significantly diminished.

Through the combined benefits of the 99.9 percent positive identification and the improved efficiency, finger vein technology will create a more rewarding experience for donors.  By creating a shorter and easier donation process, Avion Solutions, Inc. and Hitachi, Ltd. hope to encourage citizens to become habitual donors, increase the number of donations per year, and save more lives.

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To receive a picture of or more information about this product, please contact Gena Hayes at 256.327.7119 or by email at Gena.Hayes@AvionSolutions.com.