What is a Blood Collection Monitor and Why is it Essential for Modern Blood Banks?
The process of collecting blood donations is a precise scientific procedure, far removed from simple phlebotomy. To ensure both donor safety and the viability of the blood product, technology plays a pivotal role. At the heart of this technology is the Blood Collection Monitor (BCM), a sophisticated device that has become essential blood bank equipment for any modern, high-throughput facility. A Blood Collection Monitor is an integrated device that typically combines three critical functions: 1. Precise Weighing: It contains a high-accuracy load cell (a blood weighing scale ) that continuously measures the volume of blood being collected based on weight. 2. Automatic Agitation: It gently rocks the blood bag, ensuring the blood is immediately and thoroughly mixed with the anticoagulant present in the bag. This prevents micro-clots from forming, which would render the unit unusable. 3. Automated Flow Control: Based on the pre-set target volume, the monitor automatically clamps the tub...