Platelets are very small cells that help stop bleeding. NHS Blood and Transplant has teamed up with Cranfield to improve nation-wide distribution of these very short shelf life products.
  • DatesFeb -  May 2018
  • SponsorNHS Blood and Transplant
  • Funded£17,000 plus VAT
  • PartnersNHS Blood and Transplant

Principle Investigator: Nicky Yates

Co-Investigator: Soroosh Saghiri, Emel Aktas

NHSBT has an Excel-based spreadsheet tool to manage platelet inventory levels and stock rotation across the network. This tool has worked well for a number of years but due to changes in product specification and the supply network, now needs to be updated. This project proposes to develop, for NHSBT, an improved platelet distribution spreadsheet based on the current operation of the network for managing inventory and stock levels. Based on analysis of the operation and stock and inventory data, recommendations for possible changes to the current platelet inventory management processes and policies will be made.

Progress update

The project commenced on 19th Feb 2018 and the team is currently visiting various stock holding units and production facilities to establish the current operation.

Further information

What are platelets?