The pace of innovation in the field of blood donation, which is critical for modern medicine, is not very fast. In Ukraine, the situation is even more complicated: about two-thirds of patients do not receive the necessary blood or receive it late. Vitaly Sheyko, project manager and engineer at GlobalLogic Healthcare, said there has been an increase in the number of donors since the start of the full-scale invasion, which has helped partially meet the growing demand for donated blood. 24 Channels.

Ukrainians’ new invention

With over 19 years of experience in medical development, GlobalLogic developed the software for the HemoFlow machine. The equipment optimizes the process of collecting, processing and storing the amount of donor blood collected. After conquering the western market, today this technology helps Kharkiv doctors save lives in conditions of constant shelling. How does this equipment work, what made it popular abroad and how did it get to Ukraine?

Automation and security of the blood donation process

HemoFlow is a special device called a “blood mixer” that automates the blood collection procedure, making it safe and controlled. Its main task is to monitor the collection rate, the volume of blood collected and to prevent possible complications for the donor.

The device has several levels of protection:

• The first is a special bag for blood sampling that does not allow collection of more than the prescribed volume.
• The second is the control of input speed. If the blood “flows” too slowly or, on the contrary, “flows” quickly, the equipment signals a problem. In a critical situation, HemoFlow automatically stops blood collection. This is especially important in case of loss of consciousness or high blood pressure.

Automation generally saves doctors’ time because There is no longer a need to stand by the patient throughout the procedure.

Software development for HemoFlow went through two key stages involved in different generations of the device: HemoFlow 400 and HemoFlow 500. Both generations have their own features and functions. The main task of Ukrainian engineers was to ensure uninterrupted control over the donation process and create a convenient management system for medical personnel.

first generation HemoFlow 400 It worked on the basis of firmware that works with the hardware part of the device. In addition to the main firmware, a configuration management system was developed for the HemoFlow 400. It allows caregivers to configure and control the operation of the device, as well as store and analyze data on blood volume, velocity, and errors in the sampling process.

new generation HemoFlow 500 significantly expanded the functionality of the device. A team of 15 GlobalLogic engineers worked on the development for 2 years. Based on FreeRTOS and the application layer, as in the previous generation, the device has also become more capable of multitasking. Control of donor parameters, reading QR codes, barcodes, etc. Integration with other components became possible.

In addition, a new version of the management system was created for HemoFlow 500, which works not only on the PC but also in the cloud. The device transfers all data directly to Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud storage using radio frequencies. It allows you to store and process data about donors and procedures, providing easy access to information and remote control of devices.

HemoFlow 400 / Photo: HemoFlow

Rolling out the development to the Western market

HemoFlow already Took 70 percent of the US market. This success can be attributed to several factors: competitiveness, broad functionality and analytical capabilities that the device offers to customers and end users.

In the United States, blood donation is primarily a private sector activity. Actions such as Donor Day occur quite frequently. Unlike Ukraine, where fundraisers are mostly run by government agencies, American private companies run fundraisers at schools, universities, businesses, during sporting events, etc. organizes blood collection campaigns. They are actively promoted and often accompanied by gifts to donors.

It is important for organizations to have accurate information about the amount of blood collected when performing such actions. For example, how much is being collected now from the planned volume, what type of blood is there, which is missing. This information allows you to instantly adjust plans, attract more donors or increase the number of collection points.

To do this, we developed the CloudBase application, which provides real-time statistics. It shows where the campaign took place, how many devices were used, serial numbers, how much each device and phlebotomist collected, and more. All data creates a comprehensive report on each device and the campaign as a whole. Additionally, extensive functionality is backed by reliability; The device can collect more than 200 blood donations on a single charge.
– says Vitaly Sheyko.

Success in the international market shows the potential of the technology. HemoFlow is actively used in the USA, France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal and recently in Ukraine.

Ukrainian facts

After a full scale invasion ten HemoFlow 400XS were transferred to Kharkiv Blood Service Center From the Latvian State Blood Donation Center (VADC). The donation hall was moved to a specially converted bomb shelter, along with new equipment.

It is important for us that the supplied equipment ensures the maximum possible efficiency and facilitates daily work in such an important task for us as saving the lives of Ukrainians.
– experts of the central grade.

According to doctors, the war has greatly facilitated the collection of donor blood in Ukraine, especially in the Kharkiv region. Donor blood is actively used to save the lives of soldiers and civilians injured by enemy fire. Hospitals also need blood supplies for car accident victims, as well as patients, pregnant women, and anyone else who needs emergency medical care.

The most important thing in equipment for local doctors is that the devices adapt to different donors. It is up to doctors to enter the weight, height and gender of the donor. The device automatically closes the test tube as soon as the optimum amount of blood is drawn.. This helps prevent excess or suboptimal blood volume. In extreme conditions where there is a lack of time and human resources, the more optimization the better.

What will happen next?

The Ukrainian MedTech industry is thriving today due to the unique experience doctors and engineers gained during the war. The quality of donation processes will increase significantly, especially with the introduction of modern equipment. And so on in all areas: War has become a catalyst for the development of bionic prosthetics, rehabilitation and the collection of related analytics. International partners, especially from the USA and Europe, actively support Ukrainian prosthetic centers such as UNBROKEN and Superhumans and invest in their development. This allows them to continue their work while providing their partners with access to unique insights and expertise in the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured.

Today, Ukraine is one of the countries with the greatest expertise in these fields, making us an important member of the global medical and technology community.